Awareness of Contraindications Among Cancer Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cancer patients often face challenges in managing their disease, particularly with regard to contraindications related to medications, foods, and physical activity, which can negatively affect treatment outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate cancer patients' awareness of these contraindications and to explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, support systems, comorbidities, and medication use on their knowledge.

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 125 cancer patients in Saudi Arabia between December 2022 and February 2023. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Multinomial regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors of awareness of contraindicated medications, foods, and other environmental factors.

Nationality, co-morbidities, and cancer duration were significant predictors of awareness regarding contraindicated drugs. Saudi patients were more likely to be aware of contraindicated medications (P = 0.010), and those without chronic diseases were 15 times more likely to know about drug contraindications (OR = 15.076, 95% CI: 3.442-66.042). Cancer diagnosis (P = 0.033) and cancer duration (P = 0.022) were also significant for food contraindications. Over 58% were unaware of the need to regulate body temperature during treatment. Location influenced exercise awareness (P = 0.064) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) awareness, with rural participants showing higher CAM knowledge (P = 0.001).

This study emphasizes the need to improve cancer patients' awareness of contraindications, particularly regarding medications and foods. Key factors influencing awareness include nationality, co-morbidities, and cancer duration. While family support is beneficial, it doesn't directly enhance knowledge, highlighting the importance of targeted educational interventions to improve patient outcomes and safety.