Impact of facilitating continued accessibility to cancer care during COVID-19 lockdown on perceived wellbeing of cancer patients at a rural cancer center in Rwanda

• Published in: PLOS global public health 2023, Vol.3 (2), p.e0001534-e0001534
• Main Authors: Niyigena, Anne, Cubaka, Vincent K, Uwamahoro, Pacifique, Mutsinzi, Robert Gatsinzi, Uwizeye, Benigne, Mukamasabo, Blandine, Shyirambere, Cyprien, Bigirimana, Bosco Jean, Mubiligi, Joel, Barnhart, Dale A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2767-3375; 2767-3375
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001534

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda, Partners In Health Inshuti Mu Buzima collaborated with the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) to mitigate disruptions to cancer care by providing patients with free transportation to treatment sites and medication delivery at patients' local health facilities. We assessed the relationship between facilitated access to care and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. This cross-sectional telephone survey included cancer patients enrolled at BCCOE in March 2020. We used linear regression to compare six dimensions of quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and financial toxicity (COST) among patients who did and did not receive facilitated access to care. We also assessed access to cancer care and whether patient wellbeing and its association with facilitated access to care differed by socioeconomic status. Of 214 respondents, 34.6% received facilitated access to care. Facilitated patients were more likely to have breast cancer and be on chemotherapy. Facilitation was significantly associated with more frequent in-person clinical encounters, improved perceived quality of cancer care, and reduced transportation-related barriers. Facilitated patients had significantly better global health status (β = 9.14, 95% CI: 2.3, 16.0, p