Abstract
A paper-based questionnaire was used to measure out-of-pocket expenses, income
loss, and informal (unpaid) care from the cancer patient’s perspective. A total
of 181 adult solid cancer patients on chemotherapy for at least 3 months were
recruited from 1 teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The majority were
female (66%) and 41% were 60 years of age or older. A total of 107 respondents
used their own car for transport to and from the hospital to receive
chemotherapy (median distance 42 km). Over the last 4 weeks, 21% purchased
medications, 18% visited a physician, and 8% visited a physiotherapist, spending
a median amount of $47, $220, and $793, respectively. A total of 47 participants
were employed at the time of their cancer diagnoses, and 32% of them reported
some loss of income. A total of 85% of respondents were escorted by a carer
during chemotherapy sessions. Approximately 64%, 31%, 61%, 43%, and 28% reported
getting help from a carer for housework, child care, shopping, medicine taking,
and personal care, respectively. The carer spent on average 50 h per week
looking after the patient.