Economic Burden of Esophageal Cancer on Esophageal Cancer Patients and Their Perceived Threat for Discontinuation Under Treatment and Follow-Up Patients Attending Tikur Anbesa Hospital, Oncology Department

Background: The cancer esophageal is one of the deadly malignant in the world. Ethiopia is the country with a higher esophageal cancer incidence. Esophageal cancer has been severely affecting the economically disfranchised counties like Ethiopia. Aim: The overall aim of the study was to explore the economic burden of esophageal cancer on esophageal cancer patients and their perceived threat for discontinuation under treatment and follow up patients attending Tikur Anbesa Hospital, Oncology Department. Methods: In-depth interviews were carried out with purposively selected esophageal cancer patients attending Tikur Anbesa Hospital, Oncology Department. A total of 10 in-depth interviews were done. The numbers of interviewees were determined by information saturation. The interviews were conducted using semistructured interview guide. All in-depth interviews were taped. Data were translated in to English, and then coded using Open Code software version 4.0. Finally thematic analyses were used as a method of analysis. Results: Squatty of awareness on causes for esophageal cancer infection was claimed by the patients. Moreover, both lack of knowledge on the typical symptom of the disease and information in the presence of treatment were scrutinized. Patients oftentimes had claimed traditional remedies as their primary preference for their treatment. Esophageal cancer was perceived as the most fatal disease than any other cancer types by the patients. Fees for medical care and other nonmedical expenses were beyond their capacity. The referral system along with the private facilities fees made patients economically deprived. Public health facilities were lacked necessary drugs and diagnostic materials as a result they were exploited by private health facilities. Majority of the participants were not sure about their continuation under their follow-ups due to future financial constraints and sought government support. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about the causes for esophageal cancer infection was critical observed. Patients were at risk for their continuation with their treatment and follow-up. The care for esophageal cancer needs several specialists and expertise and this has led for costs unaffordability to the patients.