ورقة علمية / Research Paper

This study investigates financial toxicity—the economic and psychological burden associated with cancer care—among Sudanese cancer patients in the context of ongoing armed conflict. Using a cross-sectional design, the research assesses the extent of financial distress, its impact on patients’ quality of life and psychosocial well-being, and the associated risk of treatment non-adherence. Data are collected from adult cancer patients receiving care at Eldaman Oncology Center–Merowe using the validated COST–FACIT (Version 2) scale. By focusing on a conflict-affected, low-resource setting, the study aims to generate context-specific evidence to inform health policy, guide targeted financial and psychosocial support interventions, and contribute to improving cancer care delivery for vulnerable populations in Sudan

To ensure the confidentiality and privacy of participants’ information, the study will apply the following scientifically and ethically grounded measures: 1-Anonymization of Data: No personal identifiers (such as names, national ID numbers, phone numbers, or addresses) will be collected. Each participant will be assigned a unique study code to ensure anonymity. 2-Restricted Data Access: Access to raw data will be limited strictly to the principal investigator and authorized research team members. Data will not be shared with any third party without prior ethical approval. 3-Secure Data Storage: Electronic data will be stored on password-protected computers and encrypted storage devices. Any hard-copy questionnaires will be kept in locked cabinets within a secure office. 4-Use of Data for Research Purposes Only: Collected data will be used exclusively for the objectives of this study and for academic dissemination (e.g., thesis, publications, or conferences) in aggregated form only. 5-Confidential Reporting of Results: Study findings will be reported at the group level, ensuring that no individual participant can be identified directly or indirectly. 6-Right to Withdraw Without Consequences: Participants may withdraw from the study at any stage without any impact on their medical care, and their data will be excluded upon request. 7-Compliance with Ethical Guidelines: All confidentiality procedures will comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and the regulations of the relevant Institutional Review Board (IRB). These measures collectively ensure the protection of participants’ privacy, uphold ethical research standards, and maintain the integrity and credibility of the study.

Given the sensitive nature of questions related to financial toxicity, the following safety measures will be applied: 1-Participants will be informed that they may skip any question or stop the interview at any time without consequences. 2-If a participant shows signs of emotional distress, the interview will be immediately paused or terminated. 3-The participant will be reassured and offered referral to the psychosocial support unit at Merowe Medical City / Eldaman Oncology Center, where available. 4-The research team will be trained to recognize signs of distress and respond in an ethical and supportive manner. 5-No participant will be pressured to continue participation under any circumstances.

This study may not provide direct financial benefits to participants; however, it offers important indirect benefits. For participants, it increases awareness of the financial and psychosocial burden associated with cancer care and provides an opportunity to express their experiences, which may have a positive psychological effect. At the societal level, the study generates context-specific evidence on financial toxicity among cancer patients in Sudan, particularly in a conflict setting. The findings can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and humanitarian organizations in designing targeted financial and psychosocial support interventions, improving cancer care services, and promoting health equity in vulnerable populations.