The quality of death and dying of patients with advanced cancer in hospice care in Uganda and Kenya
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Date
2023-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives. Minimal information is available about the quality of dying and death in Uganda
and Kenya, which are African leaders in palliative care. We investigated the quality of dying and
death in patients with advanced cancer who had received hospice care in Uganda or Kenya.
Methods. Observational study with bereaved caregivers of decedents (Uganda: n = 202;
Kenya: n = 127) with advanced cancer who had received care from participating hospices in
Uganda or Kenya. Participants completed the Quality of Dying and Death questionnaire and a
measure of family satisfaction with cancer care (FAMCARE).
Results. Quality of Dying and Death Preparation and Connectedness subscales were most
frequently rated as good to almost perfect for patients in both countries (45.5% to 81.9%),
while Symptom Control and Transcendence subscales were most frequently rated as intermediate (42.6% to 60.4%). However, 35.4% to 67.7% of caregivers rated overall quality of
dying and overall quality of death as terrible to poor. Ugandan caregivers reported lower
Preparation, Connectedness, and Transcendence (p < .001). Controlling for covariates, overall quality of dying was associated with better Symptom Control in both countries (p < .001)
and Transcendence in Uganda (p = .010); overall quality of death, with greater Transcendence
in Uganda (p = .004); and family satisfaction with care, with better Preparation in Uganda
(p = .004).
Significance of results. Findings indicate strengths in spiritual and social domains of the quality of dying and death in patients who received hospice care in Uganda and Kenya, but better
symptom control is needed to improve this outcome in these countries.
Description
Keywords
Advanced cancer; Hospice care; Kenya; Quality of dying and death; Uganda
Citation
Goombs, Mary, Kenneth Mah, Eve Namisango, et al. 'The Quality of Death and Dying of Patients with Advanced Cancer in Hospice Care in Uganda and Kenya', Palliative & Supportive Care, (2023), pp. 1-10.