Utilization of palliative care and its associated factors among adult cancer patients in Hawassa University comprehensive specialized hospital oncology center, Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2021: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To assess the utilization of palliative care (PC) and its associated factors among adult cancer patients in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH) oncology center, Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult cancer patients. Randomly selected adult cancer patients (≥ 18 years of age) attending their treatment at HUCSH oncology center PC unit were included. Data was collected from June to August, 2021. The aim was to interview 185 patients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data entry was done using Epi-Data version 4.6 and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in SPSS for analysis. Results: Out of 180 study respondents, 66% were aged 50 years or older. Sixty-three percent were characterized to have a better utilization of PC services. Patients aged below 50 years (adjusted odds radio (AOR) = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.13–6.63), with a higher educational status (grade 9 to 12 or college/university graduation (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.41–5.21, and AOR = 3.23; 95% CI = 0.98–10.61, respectively), with a higher income >5,500 Birr (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI = 0.51–5.76), with and good accessibility of PC services (AOR = 2.99; 95% CI = 1.21–3.28) were significantly associated with better utilization of PC services. Conclusion: The current study revealed two thirds of patients had better utilization of PC services. Older patients with low educational status and income and those living in rural areas had worse access to PC services. It is recommended to improve information provision about PC especially for older patients and patients with low education and to improve accessibility for patients in suburban and rural areas.