PURPOSE Because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, health care organizations introduced guidelines for modifications to health and cancer medical care delivery to mitigate transmission and ensure quality health outcomes. To examine the extent and impact of these modifications on oncology service disruptions in Nigeria, we surveyed oncology patients across selected public and private cancer treatment centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participating in the study were 15 tertiary cancer treatment centers across 12 Nigerian states. We recruited adult patients with cancer (18+ years) on active treatment to complete a self-administered survey on cancer care during COVID-19. We conducted descriptive and multivariate data analysis using Stata 16.1. RESULTS Respondents were (n = 1,072), female (65.7%), ages 18-49 years (50.3%), and married (80.7%). The top two cancers were breast and prostate. Overall, 17.3% of respondents reported disruptions to cancer care, and more than half (51.0%) reported difficulties accessing care. Changes in chemotherapy regimens or route of administration were reported in 8.4% of respondents. Odds for any disruption were highest for older patients, western states, patients with prostate cancer, and patients with two or more flu symptoms. Odds for radiotherapy cancellation were highest for older patients, those with prostate cancer, and those with medium service perception. CONCLUSION This study investigated COVID-19–influenced cancer treatment disruptions in Nigeria. Patients with cancer experienced significant disruptions to cancer care. Vulnerable patients are most likely to be negatively affected. Policies and strategies aimed at minimizing service disruptions while maintaining cancer patients' safety should be a priority for all health care institutions in the COVID-19 era.

PurposeThere is a paucity of data about current usage of oncology guidelines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), specifically in terms of the availability and quality of those guidelines. Our objective was to determine usage of oncology guidelines and the barriers and facilitators to their usage among radiation oncologists in LMICs.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing radiation oncologists in Nigeria via e-mail and the social media database of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria. In addition, paper questionnaires were administered at regional clinical meetings.ResultsThe survey response rate was 53.4% in a sample of 101 radiation oncologists from the database. Sixty-nine percent of respondents were consultants and 30% were residents. Approximately 43% had < 5 years’ experience. All of the respondents were involved in administering chemotherapy during the treatment of patients with cancer, whereas approximately half were involved in diagnosing cancer. Ninety-three percent reported using guidelines in treating patients, the top two guidelines being those from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (90%) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (50%). The two major barriers to guideline usage were that facilities were inadequate for proper guideline implementation and that the information in guidelines were too complex to understand. Potential facilitators included providing adequate facilities, developing local guidelines, and increasing awareness of guideline usage.ConclusionOur study shows that clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with cancer in LMICs are aware of cancer treatment guidelines. However, implementation of these guidelines hinders their usage because the facilities are inadequate, guidelines are not applicable to the local setting, and the information in the guidelines is too complex.

Objective: Nurses who care for cancer patients are exposed to varying degrees of psychological pressure. These psychological issues among nurses are thought to have some consequences relating to professional satisfaction, quality of care, and patient outcome. This study aimed to explore the psychological and emotional impact of caring for persons among cancer care nurses. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive approach was employed, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select seven nurses who were interviewed one-on-one. Interview data were coded and analyzed using NVivo 12 to generate the final themes and patterns. The EQUATOR's COREQ guideline for qualitative studies was adhered to. Results: Data analysis yielded two major themes and four sub-themes. Participants expressed concerns about their frequent encounter with dying patients on the ward which affects their own mental well-being as persons. Sometimes, the health-care professionals used emotional distance to mitigate the emotional and psychological effects of the frequent deaths encountered on the ward. Professional dissatisfaction was also brought about by the increased amount of patients who died on the ward, the gloomy nature of the care environment, and the feeling of incapacitation to help. Conclusions: The findings indicate that nurses who care for cancer patients need to be supported to enhance their psychological and emotional well-being. The findings of this study could help nurse managers to understand the level of psychological pressure cancer care impose on nurses and the importance of improving the mental health of nurses in cancer care.