FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED ADVERSE DRUG EFFECTS OF ANTI-CANCER DRUGS AMONG CANCER PATIENTS AT MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KAMPALA CITY; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: 

The purpose of the study was to assess factors contributing to increase Advance Drug Effects among patients taking anti-cancer drugs attending Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala City.

Methodology: 

A cross-sectional study design was employed using a simple random-sampling technique on a sample size of 50 respondents. Semi-structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions were used. Data was analyzed manually using tally sheets and entered into a computer using the Microsoft Excel computer program to generate tables and figures.

 Results: 

All respondents 50(100%) who were interviewed reported having experienced at least a side effect from the anti-cancer drugs they were taking despite being varying in severity of symptoms. The majority of the respondents were females 28 (56%), Most of the severe Advance Drug Effects of alopecia and severe vomiting were seen in patients. Patients having other co-morbidities like Hypertension, Diabetes, and sickle cell anemia indicate that most of these respondents were taking more than one or two types of drugs as a result of the multiple diagnoses.

 Conclusion: 

Advance Drug Effects impact on overall treatment outcomes may result in treatment failure or abrupt adherence to medications however with early detection and reporting, minimization of damage can be achieved. Individual factors like having related medical co-morbidities like hypertension, and diabetes. Healthcare-related factors like a high pill burden and frequent dosages of the prescribed drugs contributed to the occurrence of Advance Drug Effects among the patients.

 Recommendations: 

Since most of the Advance Drug Effects in hospitalized oncology patients are predictable and at least probably preventable, the researcher, therefore, recommends that the hospital sets up an effective ADE monitoring and reporting system and create awareness among healthcare workers regarding the importance of this system, the government should encourage rational use of drugs.