What does this research mean for the field?

The pooled prevalence of palliative care service utilization among adult cancer patients in Ethiopia is low. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Assess palliative care service utilization and its determinants among adult cancer patients in Ethiopia.

March 8, 2026

Assessment of palliative care service utilization and determinant factors among adult cancer patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-compliant).

Key Points

Assess palliative care service utilization and its determinants among adult cancer patients in Ethiopia.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
Analyzed data on prevalence from multiple studies.
Identified factors affecting service utilization such as age, sex, income, and education.
Pooled prevalence of palliative care service utilization was found to be low.
Determinants included male sex, lower monthly income, and educational status.
Family support and service satisfaction positively influenced utilization.

Abstract

This meta-analysis reveals that the pooled prevalence of PC service utilization among adult patients with cancer remains low. Age, being male sex, monthly income, educational status, having family support, service satisfaction, and prior knowledge of the service were determinants of PC service utilization. To improve PC service utilization, a multifaceted approach is needed, focusing on early integration, education, effective communication, caregiver support, integration with oncology care, and community-based service expansion.

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Cite This Study

Haile et al. (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ada8cfbc08abd80d5bc1e6 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000047878

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