What Predicts the Quality of Advanced Cancer Care in Latin America? A Look at Five Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, and Peru

Abstract Cancer is now a leading cause of death among adults in most Latin American nations. Yet, until recently, there has been limited research on the quality of, and access to, advanced cancer care in developing regions such as Latin America. This landmark, cross-national study assessed the quality of advanced cancer care in five Latin American countries by surveying a convenience sample of 777 physicians and nurses, and identifying the most salient influences on their quality-of-care assessments based on multiple linear regression analyses. Strategies for disseminating this survey included mass mailings, distribution at professional meetings/conferences, collaboration with Latin American institutions, professional organizations, and the Pan American Health Organization, and online posting. Results indicate that the respondents' assessments of the quality of, access to, and affordability of advanced cancer care varied significantly across nations ( P