Batna Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 13, Numéro 1, Pages 70-74
2026-05-01

Patient-reported Unmet Palliative Care Needs As Indicators Of Systemic Gaps In Cancer Care: A Tertiary Hospital Study In Guinea



Authors : Condé Ibrahima Kalil . Keïta Mamady . Cissé Kalil . Camara Abou . Souaré Mamadou Bobo . Bah Malick . Traoré Bangaly .

Abstract

Background: Cancer outcomes remain poor in low-resource settings where palliative care is insufficiently integrated into oncology services. In Guinea, limited evidence exists to guide policy development. This study assessed patient-reported unmet palliative care needs as indicators of systemic gaps in cancer care in Guinea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2022 in the Oncology Department of Donka University Hospital, Conakry. A consecutive sampling strategy was applied, including all eligible, consenting, and cognitively able patients present during the study period. Needs were assessed using an adapted Supportive Care Needs Survey–Short Form 34 (SCNS-SF34) and analyzed descriptively. Results: Among 177 patients (mean age 49.3 years; 75.7% female), breast (38.4%) and cervical (14.1%) cancers predominated, with 92.6% diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic stages. Informational needs were most frequent: 88.1% requested a better understanding of palliative care, and 80.8% of treatments. Physical symptoms were common, particularly pain (83.6%) and fatigue (70.1%). Psychosocial distress was substantial, including fear (85.3%) and difficulty discussing illness (80.2%). High care-related costs were reported by 84.7%, and 49.7% felt their concerns were inadequately addressed. Sexuality-related needs were reported by 25.4%. Conclusion: The high burden of unmet needs across informational, physical, psychosocial, and care-related domains reflects potential systemic deficiencies rather than isolated clinical gaps. Strengthening national policy frameworks, improving access to essential medicines, enhancing provider training, and integrating palliative care early within cancer services are critical priorities for Guinea and similar low-resource settings.

Keywords

Palliative care ; Cancer ; Unmet needs ; Policy Gaps

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