Paediatric Palliative Care following Hospital discharge: Prevalence and factors associated with non-continuity of palliative care for children with cancer in Busoga sub-region-eastern Uganda; A mixed methods study

BackgroundPalliative care (PC) is crucial for children with cancer to alleviate suffering and enhance quality of life. However, continuity of pediatric palliative care (PPC) can be disrupted by factors such as lack of knowledge, stigma, bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate referral systems, and staffing shortages. There is limited data on the prevalence and factors associated with non-continuity of PPC in Uganda. This study explores the prevalence and factors contributing to non-continuity of PC among children with cancer in Uganda with Busoga Region in Eastern Uganda as a case study. MethodologyThis cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted at two specialized tertiary facilities in Uganda managing pediatric cancer. Data were extracted from online databases for 307 children treated from 2019 to 2023, of whom 80 were alive during the study. Caregivers of 77 children participated in interviews, and nine key informants from the two facilities and the only regional facility providing PC upon downward referral were also interviewed. Descriptive statistics summarized data as proportions or percentages, and bivariate analysis used crude odds ratios to identify significant associations. Key informant interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically using the socio-ecological model. ResultsThe prevalence of non-continuity of PC was 96.1% (95% CI: 88.4-98.0). Barriers identified included: individual-level gaps in caregiver knowledge; relationship-level issues such as inappropriate cultural beliefs; health system-level challenges like limited human resources, inadequate training and funding, poor coordination and referral pathways, and service access issues; and policy-level concerns, including the lack of a national palliative care policy. ConclusionThe high prevalence of non-continuity of PC for children with cancer in Busoga highlights significant deficiencies in integrating palliative care into pediatric oncology services in Uganda. Addressing these challenges requires urgent government action to enhance palliative care funding and resources.