Cross-sectional analysis reveals significant income-related disparities in palliative care access among cancer patients, indicating urgent needs for intervention.
Key Points
The research aims to explore how income levels affect palliative care awareness and utilization among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia.
Conducted a cross-sectional study with 200 cancer patients in Riyadh
Employed socioeconomic stratification analysis to assess differences
Utilized chi-square and linear-by-linear association tests for statistical analysis
Performed logistic regression to control for confounding variables such as age and education
Awareness of palliative care was 41.9% in low-income patients versus 71.9% in high-income patients (p = 0.001)
Only 35.5% of low-income patients utilized palliative care services compared to 76.1% of high-income patients (p < 0.001)
Logistic regression indicated high-income patients were over three times more likely to use palliative care services (OR = 3.32; p < 0.001)
Income disparities in access were amplified in peripheral regions versus the Central region (p = 0.072)