Keywords
gynecology
regional analysis
staffing
physician workload
epidemiology
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. The incidence of Cervical Cancer (CC) among the female population of Ukraine remains consistently high. Uneven distribution of oncogynecologists across regions causes an uneven workload, which affects the effectiveness of medical care provision and early detection of oncopathology.
Aim. To analyze the dynamics of CC incidence in conjunction with the number of oncogynecologists in Ukraine in 2015–2020, 2022 and 2023 on a regional level.
Materials and Methods. Official statistical data on the number of oncogynecologists distributed across regions, as well as epidemiological data on CC cases, were analyzed. The analysis included five macroregions: Western, Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Central. The workload per oncogynecologist was calculated – the number of CC cases per one doctor in each region and each study year. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were used. Statistical data processing was performed using Excel 2019 (Microsoft, USA) software package. The study was conducted as a private initiative of the author, did not receive funding from grant programs, and the research topic was not officially registered with a state body.
Research Ethics. The study was based exclusively on aggregated open statistical data containing no personal information. In accordance with the standards of the World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki (1964–2024), additional ethical approval was not required.
Results. Significant variability in workload between regions was identified. The highest workload was observed in the Southern and Northern regions in 2015–2017. The Western region demonstrated a stable number of oncogynecologists and a moderate workload despite high incidence. The Eastern region in 2023 had the lowest workload, which may be associated with the disruption of medical infrastructure due to the state of war. The Central region was characterized by stable incidence and staffing indicators, with a gradual decrease in the workload per doctor in recent years.
Conclusions. The conducted analysis allows for the identification of regions with critical staff overload, which require intervention to improve the accessibility of oncogynecological care.
Keywords: oncology, gynecology, regional analysis, staffing, physician workload, epidemiology.
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