ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE TO CHEMOTHERAPY AMONGST BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN A RADIOTHERAPY FACILITY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where late-stage presentation and poor compliance with therapy are prevalent.

Objective: To assess the level of compliance with chemotherapy among breast cancer patients and identify factors associated with compliance in a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024 among 100 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and patient interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to identify associations.

Results: The mean age was 49.3±12.2 years. A total of 67 (67%) and 33 (33%) were compliant and non-compliant with their chemotherapy regimen, respectively. Non-compliance was mainly attributed to financial constraints (32%), severity of disease (11%), and feeling well (1%). Stage at diagnosis (p=0.0002), indication for chemotherapy (p=0.00001), chemotherapy-related anaemia (p=0.007), monthly income (p=0.015), and psychological satisfaction (p=0.00001) were significantly associated with compliance.

Conclusion: Non-compliance with chemotherapy is high among breast cancer patients, driven by financial, disease-related, and psychological factors. Addressing these barriers is crucial to improving outcomes.