AUTHOR=Baye Astewle Andargie A., Abere Yirgalem , Kefale Demewoz , Eshetie Yeshiambaw , Ewunetu Mengistu , Bazezew Lakachew Yismaw Y., Yirga Gebrie Kassaw , Mekonnen Gebrehiwot Berie B.
  
TITLE=Poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1608819
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1608819
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesPoor adherence significantly compromises the effectiveness and success of cancer treatment. Understanding the full scope and contributing factors of poor adherence is essential for improving patient care. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia.MethodsThe preliminary concepts were registered into PROSPERO. Comprehensive searches of multiple databases were conducted to identify relevant articles. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was done to ensure the robustness of the studies.ResultsThe analysis includes 15 studies with a total of 7,115 cancer patients. The result indicates that, the overall pooled prevalence of poor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia was 41.45% (95% CI: 33.37–49.52). Comorbidity, treatment side-effects, and residency settings are factors independently associated with poor adherence.ConclusionPoor adherence to cancer therapy in Ethiopia is significant. Therefore, efforts are needed to increase adherence. Comprehensive and timely management of comorbid conditions and treatment adverse effects can increase adherence to treatment.