The Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Access to Oncology Care Among the Poor and Vulnerable in Morocco

Abstract

By 2030, 70% of cancer-related deaths and 60% of new cases are expected to occur in southern countries, where the incidence of cancer is predicted to rise. Certainly, the socioeconomic impact, early deaths, and years of productive life wasted as a result of cancer sickness cause family poverty and completely destroy the development efforts of African nations (Circ, 2008; Breakaway, 2009). Thus, seeking oncology care is a complex process influenced by a multitude of factors; most studies carried out on cancer have shown a strong association between socio-economic factors and survival. Thereby; this study is carried out with the aim of identifying socio-economic factors; among other factors; influencing access to oncology care among poor and vulnerable patients with medical coverage (RAMED) in Morocco. To do this, we used a nonprobability sample of the accidental type of 180 patients treated in a public oncology hospital in the Fès-Meknes region. The data are from a primary survey administered to patients, during the month of June 2021. The results obtained show that access to oncology care among Ramedist cancer patients in Morocco is significantly influenced by socio-economic, cultural, geographical, and organizational factors.