Published online May 24, 2024. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i5.644
Peer-review started: January 6, 2024
First decision: January 17, 2024
Revised: February 12, 2024
Accepted: March 27, 2024
Article in press: March 27, 2024
Published online: May 24, 2024
As a consequence of the economic crisis, the sociopolitical instability and the advent of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, nested challenges faced the Lebanese healthcare system. These have resulted in critical shortages of essential resources, including medications vital for oncologic patients.
To assess the ramifications of the ongoing economic crisis on oncology patient care focusing on our outpatient oncology department.
A questionnaire was distributed during the month of February 2022 to oncology patients in Hôtel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut during their outpatient therapy. The primary objective was to assess the far-reaching impact of the economic crisis on patient care and the resulting psychological implications.
Among 182 interviewed patients, 31.87% experienced treatment interruption mainly due to acute drug shortages. Despite 87.91% of the patients benefiting from third-party coverage, 69.60% had to self-pay for their medications leading to 69.78% of patients perceiving that healthcare was more difficult to access after 2020. Psychologically, one-third of the patients exhibited symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, with 7 patients reporting suicidal ideations. Notably, 37.93% of patients who interrupted cancer treatment reported a history of comorbidities, and 89.66% who altered their treatment cited financial difficulties.
Lebanese cancer patients face complex challenges spanning economic, healthcare, and psychological realms. Income inequalities exacerbated by the economic crisis hindered healthcare access.
Core Tip: The Lebanese healthcare system, strained by economic crisis, sociopolitical unrest, and the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, faces critical shortages, impacting vital oncology medications. In February 2022, a questionnaire was administered to 182 oncologic patients at Hôtel Dieu de France University Hospital, Beirut during outpatient therapy. Results revealed that 31.87% experienced treatment interruptions due to acute drug scarcities. Despite 87.91% having third-party coverage, 69.60% self-funded medications, leading to 69.78% perceiving limited healthcare access post-2020. Psychologically, one-third exhibited anxiety/depression symptoms, and 7 patients reported suicidal thoughts. Most patients altered their treatment plan, citing financial strains.