Impact of Availability and Quality of Psychosocial Services on Treatment Adherence amongst Adolescents Living with Cancer in Low-and Middle- Income Countries: A scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: A cancer diagnosis during adolescence can have a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of adolescents and their caregivers. Psychosocial well- being is a state of emotional, mental and social environment that influences the functionality of individuals. Adolescents are influenced by their social environment; this can affect their physical wellbeing especially when going through cancer treatment. In 2017, globally over 11.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were recorded for cancer frombirth to 19-year-olds, this proportion was mostly concentrated in Africa, Central and South America and in Asia. The burden of cancer among adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) is a weight that conveys the inequity in the distribution and control of cancer care resources worldwide. The study aimed to describe the psychosocial services that are available for adolescents living with cancer and the relationship between the availability and quality of psychosocial services on treatment adherence among adolescents in LMICs. Methodology: A scoping review following the PRISMA reporting guidelines was used to investigate the extent, variety, and characteristics of literature on adolescent psychosocial services that contribute to cancer treatment adherence. Data was collected from online databases including Cochrane, Embase, PubMed/MedLine, and Science Direct, websites, and through citation scanning. Data was then charted in a Data Extraction form and was analyzed to acquire results. Results: Six articles that demonstrated the impact that availability and quality of psychosocial services had on treatment adherence among adolescents going through oncology treatment were included in this scoping review. Psychological, educational and community services were identified as psychosocial services that impact cancer treatment adherence among adolescents in LMICs. Conclusion: Our review found that available and high-quality psychosocial services among adolescents with cancer increases treatment adherence in LMICs may be lacking. More research needs to be done on the quality of psychosocial services and their impact on cancer treatment adherence in developing countries.