Financial toxicity of cancer care in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the number of cancer deaths is expected to double between 2020 and 2030; however, financial costs remain a barrier to accessing cancer treatment and care. There is an evidence gap on financial toxicity related to cancer care in SSA, both for the patient and for the family members providing care. Against this background, this review aims to analyse cancer care-related financial toxicity for the patient and family caregivers in SSA.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles in the English language reporting the financial burden of cancer care on patients and family caregivers in SSA will be conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from 1 January 2000 to 13 October 2023. Two researchers will independently review the titles, abstracts and full-text articles, and any disagreements will be resolved through consensus. A risk of bias assessment will be conducted using the assessment tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. A quantitative and narrative synthesis of included studies, including the prevalence of financial toxicity of cancer care in SSA, will be developed. The review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical review is not required because this review draws on published literature. The results will be presented at leading cancer and public health conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated via website posts and social media channels to improve access to cancer care and to facilitate evidence-based policymaking in SSA.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023469011.