Access to conventional cancer services and traditional and complementary medicine use by Moroccans suffering from cancer during the COVID‑19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective To assess the access to conventional cancer services and traditional and complementary medicine (TC&M) use during the COVID-19 pandemic by cancer patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 202 cancer patients at the Béni Mellal regional oncology centre in Morocco between June and July 2020. Documentary analysis of the centre’s information system and a structured interview of 47 items made it possible to collect data. Results A total of 69 patients (34.2%) found it difficult to access conventional care during the COVID-19 crisis. The prevalence of T&CM use during the COVID-19 pandemic was 35%. Plants were the most used T&CM category (97%). Cancer patients with cancer duration of less than a year, receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone and perceiving the danger of T&CM had used these therapies less. Conclusion The difficulty of accessing care and the fear of attending oncology care organisations require a review of the treatment protocol and guidelines adapted to this crisis. Therapeutic education targeting T&CM used is considered necessary. © NHAA 2021.