Abstract: Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer disclosure is the process of informing patients and their family members about the cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan and possible side effects. Disclosing the diagnosis to patients and family contributes positively to the therapeutic process, but when poorly delivered, it can be a source of distress and anxiety, which has a negative impact on patient care. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and current practices regarding cancer disclosure among physicians and residents at CHUK. The present study is based on ethical theory as the one that guide physicians to value the rules, outcomes of disclosure and the virtues that clinicians must possess. The results of this study would highlight the level of knowledge, the attitude and the current practices of physicians and residents regarding cancer disclosure in order to provide recommendations that will be used to improve patient health care. A purposive and census sample of 160 physicians and residents was considered, but only 141 respondents participated. Data was collected through distribution of self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013 software and the SPSS 21.0 statistical package. Descriptive and inferential statistics were run to address research questions. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages and were computed to describe participants’ demographic characteristics and attributes. Inferential statistics was used to determine factors associated with practices regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure; and they comprised Chi-square, bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratios were computed to examine the strength of the association of every risk factor to practices regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistical significance. Results indicate that 22% of the participants had high level of knowledge and 78% of them had low level. A big proportion of the respondents (77%) agreed to the principles of the SPIKES protocol for braking bad news and 23% of them partially agreed. The current cancer diagnosis disclosure practices are poor; 47% of the participants have good practices and 53% of them have poor practices. Two variables were statistically significantly associated with cancer diagnosis disclosure practices; years of experience (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.43-8.85, p<0.05) and knowledge regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.04-7.36, p<0.05). The level of knowledge regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure among physicians and residents practicing in CHUK was low. The majority of physicians and residents practicing at CHUK agreed with the principles of the SPIKES protocol for breaking bad news. The current cancer diagnosis disclosure practices were poor. To fill the gap in knowledge and practices, physicians and residents practicing at CHUK should be trained and updated about cancer diagnosis disclosure knowledge and skills.
Keywords: Cancer disclosure, Physician knowledge, PIKES protocol, Patient communication, CHUK practices.
Title: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING CANCER DIAGNOSIS DISCLOSURE AMONG PHYSICIANS AND RESIDENTS AT UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL OF KIGALI RWANDA
Author: NAREMEZO NABEGA DEBORAH, Dr Monica MOCHAMA, Mr. FESTUS IRUNGU
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 2, April 2024 - June 2024
Page No: 300-312
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 21-June-2024
