Barriers to Radiotherapy Access in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Ramashia Portia N., Nkosi Pauline B., Mbonane Thokozani P.
Primary Institution: University of Johannesburg
Hypothesis
What are the barriers to radiotherapy access for cancer patients in SSA, as identified in the literature?
Conclusion
This systematic review highlights the diverse array of barriers to radiotherapy access in sub-Saharan Africa and emphasises the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these challenges.
Supporting Evidence
- Access to radiotherapy services is critical for effective cancer treatment.
- Patients in sub-Saharan Africa face numerous barriers to accessing radiotherapy services.
- The review identifies geographical, financial, cultural, logistical, and systemic barriers to radiotherapy access.
- Limited infrastructure and long travel distances contribute to the inequitable distribution of services.
- Systemic barriers, including policy gaps and governance issues, also affect access.
Takeaway
Many people in sub-Saharan Africa can't get the radiation treatment they need for cancer because of problems like distance, money, and cultural beliefs.
Methodology
A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2013 and December 2023, focusing on barriers to radiotherapy access in SSA.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the focus on peer-reviewed publications and exclusion of grey literature.
Limitations
The review may not have captured all relevant articles and was limited to recent literature, potentially excluding important earlier work.
Participant Demographics
The population of interest is cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa, including various countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website