The Socio-Economic Determinants of Children’s Cancer Treatment Adherence; The Case of Jimma Medical Center.

Abstract

The study aims to identify how the socio-economic determinants affects children’s cancer treatment adherence, at Jimma University Medical Center Oromia national regional state, southwestern Ethiopia. Since this study gives emphasis on understanding individual experience about the treatment and treatment adherence; Qualitative research approach adopted to better understand the topic. Non-probability sampling technique from which purposive sampling was specifically employed to select the participant. To this end, both primary and secondary data was collected through semi-structured interview, FGDs, observation and reviewing different documents. The study designed to deeply explore and describe the impacts of socioeconomic determinants of children’s cancer treatment adherence. The data analysis was began in categorizing and putting data into theme Voluntary consent was taken and participant informed withdraw at any time, also trustworthy kept by good rapport with participant. Finding of the study revealed that, most of children come to the medical center are from low socio-economic status and low awareness about chronic diseases and due to this the families or guardians of vulnerable children to cancer don’t adhere to treatment. They come from furthest rural area of south west part of the country by itself is a challenge, they don’t know modern life and they can’t afford the living cost and medical expense.. That make many clients (patient) to non-adherence treatment. Shortage of chronic chemotherapy drugs, no training to health care service providers, delaying of repairing equipment in the unit and absence of out-patients place to those have fellow up. This and other challenges to offer treatment in the unit.