Southeast Asian Journal of Case Report and Review
Official Publication of Association of Biomedical Scientists
Official Publication of Association of Biomedical Scientists
Online ISSN: 2319-1090
Southeast Asian Journal of Case Report and Review is a Peer-reviewed, International medical journal Published by the Association of Health Professionals. It will publish 04 issues per year will publish a research paper prepared by Health Professional. Journal will Give Preference to Case Report and Review Article Aim and Scope The aim and commitment of the journal is to publish a research-oriented manuscript on significant issues in all the subjects and areas of Medical Science including Genome mutation and Pathogenicity in microbes. Journal more...Case Report
Author Details :
Volume : 10, Issue : 2, Year : 2023
Article Page : 35-42
https://doi.org/10.18231/j.sajcrr.2023.008
Abstract
Introduction: Containment measures to limit COVID-19 spreading profoundly impact children around the globe, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Indonesia. The aim of this case series study is to uncover the impact that COVID-19 measures have on Indonesian children with cancer and their families.
Materials and Methods: A case series study was conducted in July 2021. Investigators identi?ed three children diagnosed with cancer at an Indonesian referral hospital and studied their medical records. Caretakers were interviewed inside the hospital by an independent interviewer using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: This study presents three children with cancer and their families. Access to proper healthcare was hindered during COVID-19 pandemic due to mobility restrictions, medical staff shortage, limited chemotherapy and blood products availability, postponed medical procedures, and delayed or modified treatment administration. Financial hardships resulted because caretakers lost their jobs due to lockdowns and medication costs were no longer fully covered by health-insurance. Children and their relatives suffered from mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, stress and loneliness were caused by the fear of receiving suboptimal cancer treatment, serious concerns about financial difficulties, and restricted social interactions. All families believed that COVID-19 measures worsened their children’s survival chances.
Conclusion: COVID-19 measures adversely impact children with cancer and their families in Indonesia, and most likely in other low- and middle-income countries as well. Disruptions in timely and adequate childhood cancer treatment administration may importantly deteriorate survival chances. Governments and policymakers should take these indirect effects into account to protect vulnerable children and their families.
Keywords: Pediatric oncology, COVID-19, Low- and middle-income countries
How to cite : Salih I E, Widjajanto P H, Sutrisni S, Hoogland I, Kaspers G, Mostert S, Impact of COVID-19 containment measures on children with cancer in Indonesia. South Asian J Case Rep Rev 2023;10(2):35-42
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