Exploring Financial Toxicity and its Impact on Quality of Life and Well-being among Cancer Survivors in Central India: A Cross-sectional Patient-reported Outcome Study
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 84
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- To assess the financial burden and its impacts and distress among patients undergoing cancer treatment in a tertiary care cancer centre in Central India.
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Financial toxicity denoting the hardships faced by patients due to out of pocket expenses is gaining traction globally as well as in India. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity and one of the most expensive healthcare conditions among Indian citizens. Research conducted among cancer survivors in India indicates that over 75 percent of cancer care expenses are borne by patients and their family members as out of pocket payments. In India’s healthcare system, OOPE is a major concern, with medicines accounting for a significant portion of expenses, followed by diagnostic tests and consultation fees. Studies suggest that escalating healthcare expenses are linked with psychological distress, lower treatment adherence, bankruptcy, and premature mortality among cancer patients. The majority of Indian households with cancer patients grapple with overwhelming healthcare expenses often resorting to borrowing from social networks and liquidating financial assets to cover the costs associated with cancer care.
This study seeks to explore the significance of financial toxicity among cancer patients and its implications for their outcomes.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18.00 Year(s) to 99.00 Year(s) (—)
- Sex
- All
Inclusion Criteria
- •i)Adult patients (aged 18 years and above) who have diagnosed with any form of cancer.
- •ii)Participants who are undergoing any form of cancer therapy (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy) within the last 30 days.
- •iii)Patients willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent will be enrolled in this study.
Exclusion Criteria
- •i) Severely ill patients (those who are bedridden or unable to communicate verbally) will be excluded.
- •ii) Patients who were diagnosed with significant mental and psychiatric comorbidities will be excluded from the study.
- •iii) Patients will be excluded if they have participated in other research trials/projects funded by external agencies, especially if they received financial compensation/support for their participation.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
To assess the financial burden and its impacts and distress among patients undergoing cancer treatment in a tertiary care cancer centre in Central India.
Time Frame: 24 months
Secondary Outcomes
- To identify the association between financial toxicity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological well-being among cancer patients.(24 months)
Investigators
Bhawna Sirohi
BALCO medical Centre