WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P2.15 .13 Patient Self Management Education and Cancer Treatment Adherence in Low Middle Income Africa a Systematic Scoping Review

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This systematic scoping review investigates patient self-management education and factors influencing cancer treatment adherence in low- and middle-income African countries. Compared to high-income Western nations, Africa experiences disproportionately high cancer morbidity and mortality, with treatment adherence being notably poor, as seen in countries like Ethiopia. Since self-management education is pivotal for enhancing adherence, yet unclear in its optimal form for African populations, this study addresses three research questions: factors affecting treatment adherence, characteristics of self-management education aimed at improving adherence, and mediators linking education to adherence.<br /><br />Using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, eleven peer-reviewed studies from various African nations were included, encompassing diverse cancer types and education delivery modes. Most interventions focused on enhancing patient knowledge about cancer and side effect management. Notably, few utilized information technology, and multiple health professionals, especially nurses, delivered education.<br /><br />Three themes emerged: (1) Social, cultural, and structural barriers—such as financial constraints, healthcare access, cultural/religious beliefs, and low health literacy—significantly impede treatment initiation and continuation; (2) The need for culturally sensitive, standardized, yet tailored education delivered visually and purposefully by health professionals, particularly nurses, to improve patient understanding and adherence; (3) The critical role of interpersonal interactions among patients, families, caregivers, and health professionals in supporting self-management and fostering adherence.<br /><br />Findings underscore that while self-management education holds promise for improving treatment adherence in African settings, current evidence is limited, heterogeneous, and often lacks rigorous evaluation. Future research should focus on context-specific, evidence-based interventions co-developed with African cancer patients to address identified barriers and build culturally appropriate educational strategies.<br /><br />In summary, this review highlights the complex social and educational factors impacting cancer treatment adherence in Africa and advocates for tailored, interactive, and culturally mindful self-management education as a pathway to improve outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Dejen Tsegaye Alem

Meta Tag

Speaker Dejen Tsegaye Alem

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing, Allied Health and Palliative Care

Keywords

cancer treatment adherence

self-management education

low- and middle-income African countries

social and cultural barriers

health literacy

nurse-led education

patient knowledge

culturally sensitive interventions

interpersonal support

evidence-based cancer care