scholarly journals Symptom appraisal, help-seeking and perceived barriers to healthcare seeking in Uganda: an exploratory study among women with potential symptoms of breast and cervical cancer

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041365
Author(s):  
Amos Deogratius Mwaka ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Suzanne Scott ◽  
Jane Harries ◽  
Henry Wabinga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
African Women ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer ◽  
Symptom Appraisal

ObjectiveWe assessed the process of recognising abnormal bodily changes, interpretations and attributions, and help-seeking behaviour among community-based Ugandan women with possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer, in order to inform health interventions aiming to promote timely detection and diagnosis of cancer.DesignQualitative in-depth interviews.SettingRural and urban communities in Uganda.ParticipantsWomen who participated in the African Women Awareness of CANcer cross-sectional survey who disclosed potential breast and cervical cancer symptoms were eligible; recruitment was purposive. Interviews were conducted in women’s homes, lasted between 40 and 90 min, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes, underpinned by the conceptual framework of the Model of Pathways to Treatment.Results23 women were interviewed: 10 had potential symptoms of breast cancer and 13 of cervical cancer. Themes regarding symptom appraisal and help-seeking included the: (1) detection and interpretation of abnormal bodily sensations; (2) lay consultations regarding bodily changes; (3) iterative process of inferring and attributing illnesses to the bodily changes; (4) restricted disclosure of symptoms to lay people due to concerns about privacy and fear of stigmatisation; (5) help-seeking from multiple sources including both traditional and biomedical health practitioners, and (6) multiple perceived barriers to help-seeking including long waiting times, lack of medicines, absenteeism of healthcare professionals, and lack of money for transport and medical bills.ConclusionWomen with potential symptoms of breast and cervical cancer undergo complex processes of symptom interpretation, attributing symptoms or inferring illness, and lay consultations before undertaking help-seeking and management. Increasing community understanding of breast and cervical cancer symptoms, and tackling perceived barriers to health-seeking, could lead to prompt and appropriate symptom appraisal and help-seeking, and contribute to improving cancer outcomes.

scholarly journals Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Harries ◽  
Suzanne E Scott ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Amos D Mwaka ◽  
Jennifer Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Timely Diagnosis ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer

Abstract Background: In South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. The overall purpose of the study was to inform interventions aimed at improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Eighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22-58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine. Conclusions: This is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women’s everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.

scholarly journals Anticipated help seeking behaviour and barriers to seeking care for possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms in Uganda and South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Moodley ◽  
Deborah Constant ◽  
Amos Deogratius Mwaka ◽  
Suzanne Emilie Scott ◽  
Fiona Mary Walter
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour

scholarly journals Women’s appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Harries ◽  
Suzanne E. Scott ◽  
Fiona M. Walter ◽  
Amos D. Mwaka ◽  
Jennifer Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Timely Diagnosis ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer

Abstract Background In South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. The overall purpose of the study was to inform interventions aimed at improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancer. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Eighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22–58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine. Conclusions This is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women’s everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.

scholarly journals Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Knowledge of Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Olabode Ebenezer Omotoso ◽  
Ghadier Matariek ◽  
Elizabeth F. Omotoso ◽  
Amira Matareek ◽  
Ghada M. Abdul-Rafee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
African Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Screening Uptake ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer ◽  
Self Examination

The burden of breast and cervical cancer is increasing exponentially, especially among women in low- and mid-income countries. Early detection, hinged on screening uptake is a key to higher survival rate and managing cancer outcome. The present study assessed Nigerians and Egyptians’ knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast and cervical cancer screening. A cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized to obtain 1,006 respondents via a convenient sampling method. The mean age of respondents was 30.43 ± 6.69. About one-third of participants had good knowledge (> 66%) of breast cancer screening (42%), cervical cancer screening (44%) and BSE practice (36%). Age range (26–40 years), educational level (tertiary), and marital status were demographic data that influenced knowledge level. The screening uptake among the studied population is very poor as only (11%) had ever been screened and only (2.2%) ever vaccinated. The major reasons for poor screening uptake were “no awareness of where to be screened” and “no symptoms”. Assessing the knowledge and uptake level of African women through studies like this is crucial in identifying the loopholes in the fight against cancer. More efforts are required for promoting the utilization of cancer screening services, HPV vaccination, and BSE practice among African women. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0303-3 Full Text: PDF

scholarly journals Women's appraisal, interpretation and help-seeking for possible symptoms of breast and cervical cancer in South Africa: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Harries ◽  
Suzanne E Scott ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Amos D Mwaka ◽  
Jennifer Moodley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Hormonal Contraceptives ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Breast And Cervical Cancer

Abstract Background: In South Africa, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and cervical cancer the leading cause of cancer mortality. Most cancers are diagnosed at a late-stage and following symptomatic presentation. This qualitative study set out to explore appraisal, attribution and management of potential breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level among undiagnosed women. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with women with potential breast or cervical cancer symptoms from urban and rural South Africa. Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study on breast and cervical cancer awareness. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Eighteen women were interviewed (10 urban, 8 rural): the median age was 34.5 years (range 22–58). Most were unemployed, and five were HIV positive. Themes included impact and attribution of bodily changes; influence of social networks and health messaging in help-seeking; management of symptoms and help-seeking barriers. Breast changes were often attributed to manual activities or possible cancer. Women were often unsure how to interpret vaginal symptoms, attributing them to HIV, hormonal contraceptives, or partner infidelity. Concerns about cancer were based on health information from the radio, social networks, or from primary care providers. Prompt care seeking was triggered by impact of symptoms on personal lives. Rural women, especially with possible symptoms of cervical cancer, experienced challenges during help-seeking including judgmental attitudes of clinic staff. Most participants were skeptical of traditional medicine. Conclusions: This is the first study exploring interpretation of possible breast and cervical cancer symptoms at a community level in South Africa. The process of interpreting bodily changes, symptom attribution and help-seeking is complex and influenced by women’s everyday life experiences. Timely diagnosis interventions should not only include cancer symptom awareness but also address individual, structural and health systems related barriers to care.

scholarly journals Anticipated help-seeking for cancer symptoms before and after the coronavirus pandemic: results from the Onco-barometer population survey in Spain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dafina Petrova ◽  
Marina Pollán ◽  
Miguel Rodriguez-Barranco ◽  
Dunia Garrido ◽  
Josep M. Borrás ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Population Survey ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Diagnostic Delays

Abstract Background The patient interval—the time patients wait before consulting their physician after noticing cancer symptoms—contributes to diagnostic delays. We compared anticipated help-seeking times for cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to help-seeking before and after the coronavirus pandemic. Methods Two waves (pre-Coronavirus: February 2020, N = 3269; and post-Coronavirus: August 2020, N = 1500) of the Spanish Onco-barometer population survey were compared. The international ABC instrument was administered. Pre–post comparisons were performed using multiple logistic and Poisson regression models. Results There was a consistent and significant increase in anticipated times to help-seeking for 12 of 13 cancer symptoms, with the largest increases for breast changes (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.22–1–96) and unexplained bleeding (OR = 1.50, 1.26–1.79). Respondents were more likely to report barriers to help-seeking in the post wave, most notably worry about what the doctor may find (OR = 1.58, 1.35–1.84) and worry about wasting the doctor’s time (OR = 1.48, 1.25–1.74). Women and older individuals were the most affected. Conclusions Participants reported longer waiting times to help-seeking for cancer symptoms after the pandemic. There is an urgent need for public interventions encouraging people to consult their physicians with symptoms suggestive of cancer and counteracting the main barriers perceived during the pandemic situation.

Cervical Cancer: Assessment of Its Knowledge, Utilization of Services and Its Determinant Among Female Undergraduate Students in a Low Resource Setting

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110066
Author(s):  
Chidebe Christian Anikwe ◽  
Philip Chidubem Osuagwu ◽  
Cyril Chijioke Ikeoha ◽  
Okechukwu B Ikechukwu Dimejesi ◽  
Bartholomew Chukwunonye Okorochukwu
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Cervical Cancer Screening ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resource Setting ◽  
Study Population

Background Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that contributes significantly to the death of women. This study is aimed at determining the level of knowledge and utilization of cervical cancer screening and its determinants among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University. Methods A structured questionnaire was used for a cross-sectional survey of the study population between January 1 and March 3, 2018. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were represented with frequency table, simple percentage, mode, range, Chi square and pie chart. The level of significance is at P-value < 0.05. Results Majority (74.8%) of the respondents were aware of cervical cancer and it could be prevented (70.8%). More than three-fifths (68.30%) were informed via health workers, and 86.8% were aware that post-coital vaginal bleeding is a symptom. Less than half (49.8%) knew that HPV is the primary cause, and only 32.9% were aware of the HPV vaccine. One-quarter of the respondent were aware that early coitarche is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 41.8% of the women were aware of Pap smear, 9.2% had undergone screening, and 97.6% were willing to be screened. Marital status was the significant determinant of being screened while class level did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening. The most common reason (20.6%) for not being screened was lack of awareness of the test. Conclusion Our study population had a good knowledge of cervical cancer, but utilization of cervical cancer screening was poor. Awareness creation through the mass media and provision of affordable screening services can promote the use of cervical cancer screening in the study area.

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