Factors Associated with Delay in Presentation of Symptomatic Cancers among HIV Infected Persons in Plateau State, Nigeria

There is increased incidence of cancer worldwide but much of the burden of morbidity and mortality will occur in the developing world because of cancer associated infectious diseases of which HIV infection carries a large proportion. Site-based studies show that proportion of late stage cancer presentation range between 60% - 92% in the last 10 years. There is paucity of information on reasons for the late presentation. This study is aimed to find out the factors associated with delay in presentation of symptomatic cancers among HIV infected persons in Plateau State, Nigeria. A mixed method study consists of quantitative and qualitative component. Participants were sampled from HIV infected persons diagnosed with cancer and referred to the Oncology unit. Variables on Patient and health service factors associated with late presentation of cancers were collected. Quantitative data was analyzed using Epi info version 3.5.3 and Microsoft Excel while thematic analysis was done for qualitative data. There were 503 respondents and the mean age was 48.7 ± 13.5 years. Male sex OR 2.5, (P = 0.002); Farming occupation OR 1.7, (P = 0.0005) and Primary education OR 2.0, (P = 0.0005) were associated with delay. Majority of respondents 349(69%) presented more than six months after onset of symptom. Common symptoms were pain 462(45.70%), swelling 237(23.44%) and skin discoloration 210(20.77). Their Initial reaction was mainly the use of alternative remedies 234(46.5) CI 42.1 - 51.0. Up to 274(54.47%) of participants obtained diagnosis 3 months after presenting to a health facility. Laboratory related issues 199(39.56%) and long booking time 163(32.40%) were the most common reasons for delay. Delay was found to be both patient and services related. The study also suggests that cancer symptom awareness is poor among the participants. There is no tangible cancer prevention program in the HIV/AIDs treatment program. A more in-depth knowledge of cancer is required for both the sufferer and the care giver.