The effect of specialized cervical cancer treatment on labour productivity: a case of patients at Uganda cancer institute

Abstract

The study examined the effect of specialized cancer treatment on labour productivity, a case of patients at Uganda cancer institute. The objectives of the study were; 1. To determine the effect of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy on labour productivity. 2. To establish the cervical cancer disease effects on labour productivity These objectives were framed to resolve the research questions. The study adopted a mixed research approach. The questionnaire and interview methods were used to collect data on the effect of specialized cervical cancer treatment on labour productivity from cancer patients/survivors at the Uganda cancer institute respectively. The population of the study comprised of 50 women who were cancer survivors and had finished treatment at the Uganda cancer institute but were still coming back for review. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS v.20 software, while, content analysis was used for analysis of qualitative data. The finding of the study revealed that specialized cancer treatments (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy surgery) have played a significant role in either curing cervical cancer, stopping the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, reducing effects of other cervical cancer medications or relieving the symptoms caused by cancer and/or its treatment. It was however noted that these specialized cervical cancer treatments have come along with some side effects which are detrimental to the health of patients/survivors hence compromising their productivity and therefore leading to reduced incomes, disruption of income flows or total job loss which in turn reduces the savings and investments of the patients/survivors and decrease total output (Wealth) of the country. Such treatment effects include; Fatigue, reduction in cognitive abilities, psychological disruption, nausea, vomiting memory and speech impairment, hearing loss, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headaches restlessness and sleeplessness, paralysis of some body parts especially the legs and hands, loss of esteem due to change in body image (i.e., hair loss, reduction in weight) coupled with high medical costs among other effects. The study concludes that both the effects of specialized cancer treatment and the disease effects of cervical cancer highly contribute to high rates of absenteeism by workers as they need to seek medical attention coupled with exorbitant sick leave days. These constitute non-medical costs which reduce the would-be productivity and therefore output of these workers. The study recommends that Government health policies should focus on total elimination of cervical cancer disease while addressing its treatment effects. This will play a great role in reducing the total economic burden of cancer. This can be done through adopting the following policy options; constructing cervical cancer healthcare facilities and related infrastructure in various parts of the country to ease access to specialized treatment and prevention services; Mandatory HPV screening be done for all women who are between 25- 49 years being the most productive age bracket to allow for timely treatment of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions detected coupled with Mandatory HPV vaccination of girls between ages of 9-15years to prevent cervical cancer disease; more rigorous research be done by the Uganda Cancer Institute to invent better treatment options with less or no side effects; alternative treatments like diet, herbs, acupuncture and other methods to supplement cancer treatment should be explored since these may have less side effects compared to the conventional therapies and lastly sensitization of all stakeholders regarding the cervical cancer to bridge knowledge gaps Among other recommendations.