Cancer pain management at Garissa county referral hospital, Kenya

Abstract

High prevalence and suboptimal cancer pain management has been reported from resource-limited countries such as Kenya. Precisely, trends of cancer cases are on the increase at Garissa County in Kenya, yet no data exist on management of cancer pain. This study was to examine the prevalence, and cancer pain management of adult patients at Garisssa County Referral Hospital. A descriptive cross sectional survey was employed and 94 cancer patients from both outpatient on follow up care and inpatient were recruited to participate. MBPI (Modified Brief Pain Inventory), ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) and focus group discussion (FGD) were used for data collection. Pain Management Index was calculated and significant levels were set at P< 0.05). Participants accounting 76.9% male and 66.7% female reported cancer pain interference with ability to walk and 91% male and 70% female reported that pain interfered with their mood. Content analysis was done from focus group discussions conducted and cultural ways of pain management was also captured. A total of 81.9% (77) participants incorrectly utilized WHO analgesic ladders, 65% (61) and 77.6% (73) considered alternative therapy of Quran and Somali herbs respectively for pain management. This study found a high prevalence of cancer pain and suboptimal cancer pain management. Sociocultural perspective of cancer pain management seems acceptable.