Availability and Utilization of Psychosocial Services for Breast Cancer Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract Purpose: Although psychosocial services have substantial impact in cancer care, the availability and utilization of these services have not been well-studied in Sub Saharan Africa. Therefore, we explored the types of psychosocial services available for breast cancer patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A mixed method study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey involving 428 breast cancer patients, followed by a qualitative study. A total of nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with four breast cancer patients and five key informants using two separate interview guides. In addition to descriptive statistics, logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with provision of psychosocial services. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data using NVivo 12 plus software. Results: Only 47 (11.1%) patients received psychosocial services, either in the form of counseling, emotional support or provision of information. Health professionals reportedly provided such services along with their routine activities, and patients predominantly received social/emotional support from family members, friends and colleagues. There were no well-structured counseling service, emotional support or group discussion sessions for breast cancer patients in these health facilities. The main reasons for not providing these services were high patient flow/workload, inadequate space, lack of training and not having qualified professionals to organize and deliver psychosocial services in those hospitals.Conclusions: only one in ten breast cancer patients received psychosocial services from health professionals, and the services were not delivered in a structured way. Therefore, psychosocial services should be integrated both in private and government health facilities of Ethiopia.