Effects of cancer on the socio-economic dimensions of patients: Evidence from Nakuru level 5 oncology clinic

Abstract

This study aimed to show how cancer has affected the economic and psychosocial aspects of patients’ livelihoods in Nakuru County. The study adopted descriptive survey design and draw on a quantitative inquiry. The sample size, determined by Fishers method, were 245 patients and 10 medical officers (medical superintendent, oncologists and nurses) drawn from the Nakuru County Teaching and referral Hospital. The research instruments employed were the questionnaire and interview schedules. Before the actual data collection, piloting of questionnaires and the interview schedule was done in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Uasin Gishu County. Data analysis followed both parametric and non-parametric approaches. Data was presented using graphs, tables and scatter diagrams. The findings of the study suggest a strong association of cancer with loss of income (????16, 0.01 = 40.101) and a significant increase in medical expenditure (????12, 0.01 = 66.789). Similarly, it was shown that cancer patients were impacted both socially and economically by cancer type (????12, 0.033 = 22.46) and duration of treatment. The results from the study will contribute immensely to the development of new strategies to improve patients’ economic status in the management of cancer within Nakuru county and Kenya in general.