Prevalence and Predictors of the Unmet Supportive Needs of Patients With Cancer in Oman

Unmet supportive needs are directly correlated with more frequent psychological distress, reduced quality of life, and low patient satisfaction with healthcare and indirectly connected with low compliance with treatment and increased care-related costs.

To assess the spectrum of unmet needs among patients with cancer in Oman and identify predictors of these needs and their relationship with psychological distress and symptom burden.

A descriptive, correlational study design was used, involving 551 patients with cancer from 2 major healthcare facilities in Muscat, Oman. Data on patients' unmet needs were collected between January and June 2023 using the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short-Form 34.

Participants had a mean age of 45.8 (SD, 15.6) years, with female patients comprising 65.5% of the sample. Breast cancer was the most prevalent type of cancer. The mean unmet need score was 31.0/100 (SD, 20.1). Statistical analysis revealed significant predictors of unmet needs, including marital status, treatment type, performance status, symptom interference, and psychological distress, with the regression model explaining 26% of the variance in unmet needs.

Healthcare providers must regularly assess supportive needs, recognizing that they may vary across populations and are influenced by cultural factors. Additionally, individuals identified as having characteristics that predict higher levels of need should receive focused and prioritized supportive care.

By adopting regular tailored assessments that address the comprehensive supportive needs of patients with cancer, clinicians can significantly enhance patients' quality of life and optimize treatment outcomes.