ArticlePloS one2025
Unmet needs and quality of life of adult patients while receiving cancer treatment in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Multimodal artificial intelligence and machine learning in oncology: from data integration to precision cancer care.Frontiers in digital health · 2026Review
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5 authors.
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Abstract
introductionThe increasing burden of cancer in resource-limited settings like Uganda puts pressure on healthcare systems and leaves many patients' needs unmet. These unmet needs impact service uptake, perceptions of care, and health outcomes. However, the extent and effect of unmet care needs on patients' health outcomes remain poorly characterised.
methodsA cross-sectional study involved 170 adult cancer patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Participants filled out validated instruments such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), the EORTC QLQ-30 (Quality of life scale) and the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses examined the relationship between unmet needs and health outcomes.
resultsNearly half (45.9%) of participants reported clinically significant anxiety symptoms, while 35.9% had depressive symptoms. The highest unmet needs were in physical/daily living (mean = 73.59 ± 20.26), psychological (51.77 ± 18.24), and health system/information domains (38.96 ± 19.59). Poor quality of life was observed in role (18.14 ± 27.01) and social functioning (9.41 ± 18.48). Fatigue (β = 0.23, p < 0.01) and anxiety (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) were the strongest predictors of overall unmet needs.
conclusionCancer patients in Uganda experience substantial unmet needs, particularly in physical, psychological, and informational support, which are strongly linked to worse mental health and quality of life. To improve patient outcomes, integrated interventions targeting symptom management, psychosocial support, and health system strengthening are urgently needed.
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