Risk factors associated with adherence to medical oncology treatment in pediatrics

Abstract

In Chile, between 450 and 500 cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in children and adolescents. Treatment is financed by the state, but there are nonfinancial elements that could condition adherence to treatment. 

Objective: to explore family, socioeconomic, housing, and support network risk factors that could affect adherence to medical treatment in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. 

Patients and Method: Descriptive observational study in pediatric oncology hospitals of a national cancer program. Through a “Social Care Form” applied to 104 caregivers of children and adolescents, between August 2019 and March 2020, socioeconomic data of children diagnosed with cancer were recorded in four dimensions: i) Individual/family/health; ii) Work/education/socioeconomic; iii) Housing/environment; and iv) Participation/support networks. 

Results: 99% of the children and adolescents were registered in the public health system; 69% belonged to the lowest income brackets. Care for children and adolescents was mainly provided by the mother (91%). 79% reported living in a house; 48% owned or were paying for their home. Housing quality was described as good (70%), with low levels of overcrowding. 56% of households had access to Wi-Fi internet con- nection, while 27% reported no access. The main support network reported was the family (84%). 

Conclusions: Family, socioeconomic, housing, and support network risk factors were observed in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer; socioeconomic and gender aspects highlight the social inequalities in these families. Descriptive baseline results were obtained, so it is suggested to reobserve its evolution and thus measure its impact on adherence to treatment.