The Evolution of the Socio-cultural and Religious Characteristics of Cancer Patients in Morocco: Case of the National Institute of Oncology Rabat
Abstract Background: In 2018, Morocco recorded more than 52,783 new cases of cancer and more than 32,962 cases of death (IARC, 2018). Cancer is always accompanied by socially constructed, differentiated and contingent interpretations and practices according to the socio-cultural and religious characteristics of each region. The aims of this study is describing the evolution of the socio-cultural and religious aspects of Moroccan cancer patients followed at the National Institute of Oncology (NIO) of RABAT between 2010 and 2020.Methods: We have prospectively studied all cancer cases diagnosed at the National Oncology Institute (NIO), Rabat in 2019. We have collected 1102 cases. The data collected was compared with the results of the study carried out in 2010 (1600 cases). Statistical analysis has been assessed by SPSS 20 software and the correlations between socio-cultural characteristics were examined using a chisquare test.Results: from a socio-economic point of view, almost all patients claim that cancer is a costly disease as well as a disease that leads to a drop in income and the inevitable impoverishment of Moroccan patients. The illiteracy rate is higher than in subsequent studies 42.4%. On the psychological level, the damage to body image has a negative impact on the marital relationship. The number of female patients who are victims of spousal divorce and separation is very high. Damage to body image (alopecia) can lead to stigmatizing behaviour. Concerning the spiritual aspect, in the Arab-Berber-Muslim culture, the impact of the occurrence of cancer is very particular, and the repercussions are assessed differently depending on the degree of conviction. for practicing believers, cancer is considered a divine trial, but for non-practicing believers, cancer is regarded as a divine punishment coming from outside. New behaviours reported by this research concern the use of ROKIA as an anti-cancer remedy, 42% of patients use ROKIA.Conclusion: It is important to take these data into account in the therapeutic management of patients in order to better relieve them, which sometimes proves difficult for the healthcare team. The main relief seems to come from the deep religious beliefs that help.