scholarly journals Understanding Women’s Perspectives on Breast Cancer is essential for cancer control: Knowledge, Risk Awareness, and Care-seeking in Mwanza, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Chao ◽  
Liuye Huang ◽  
Kala Visvanathan ◽  
Kisa Mwakatobe ◽  
Nestory Masalu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Since 2008, Mwanza, Tanzania, has worked to provide comprehensive cancer services through its Zonal consultant hospital. New national guidelines focused on clinical breast exam requires that women be aware of and seek care for breast concerns.. Therefore, this study aims to understand breast cancer awareness in Mwanza and describe women-level barriers, care-seeking behavior, and perspectives on breast cancer.Methods: A community-based survey was administered to conveniently sampled women aged 30 and older to assess women’s perspectives on breast cancer and care-seeking behavior.Results: Among 1,129 women with a median age of 37 (IQR: 31-44) years, 73% have heard of cancer and 10% have received breast health education. Women self-evaluated their knowledge of breast cancer (from 1-none to 10-extremely knowledgeable) with a median response of 3 (IQR: 1-4). Only 14% felt they knew any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Encouragingly, 56% of women were fairly-to-very confident they would notice changes in their breasts, with 24% of women practicing self-breast examination and 21% reporting they had received a past breast exam. Overall, 74% said they would be somewhat-to-very likely to seek care if they noticed breast changes, with 96% noting severity of symptoms as a motivator. However, fear of losing a breast (40%) and fear of a poor diagnosis (38%) were most frequent barriers to care seeking. In assessing knowledge of risk factors, about 50% of women did not know any risk factors for breast cancer whereas 42% of women believed long term contraceptive use a risk factor. However, 37% and 35% of women did not think that family history or being older were risk factors, respectively.Conclusions: The success of efforts to improve early diagnosis in a setting without population-based screening depends on women being aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms, risks, and ultimately seeking care for breast concerns. Fortunately, most women said they would seek care if they noticed a change in their breasts, but the low levels of cancer knowledge, symptoms, and common risk factors highlight the need for targeted community education and awareness campaigns.

scholarly journals Understanding Women’s Perspectives on Breast Cancer is essential for cancer control: Knowledge, Risk Awareness, and Care-seeking in Mwanza, Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Chao ◽  
Liuye Huang ◽  
Kala Visvanathan ◽  
Kisa Mwakatobe ◽  
Nestory Masalu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Cancer Control ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Cancer Knowledge ◽  
Median Response ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Since 2008, Mwanza, Tanzania, has worked to provide comprehensive cancer services through its Zonal consultant hospitals. A new policy focused on clinical breast exam requires that women be aware of and seek care for breast concerns. This new policy necessitates the understanding of community women’s perspectives on breast cancer and care-seeking behavior which are key to successful cancer control.Methods: A community-based survey was administered to conveniently sampled women aged 30 and older to assess women’s perspectives on breast cancer and care-seeking behavior.Results: Among 1,129 women with a median age of 37 (IQR: 31-44) years, 73% have heard of cancer and 10% have received breast health education. Women self-evaluated their knowledge of breast cancer (from 1-none to 10-extremely knowledgeable) with a median response of 3 (IQR: 1-4). Only 14% felt they knew any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Encouragingly, 56% of women were fairly-to-very confident they would notice changes in their breasts, with 24% of women practicing self-breast examination and 21% reporting they had received a past breast exam. Overall, 74% said they would be somewhat-to-very likely to seek care if they noticed breast changes, with 96% noting severity of symptoms as a motivator. However, fear of losing a breast (40%) and fear of a poor diagnosis (38%) were most frequent barriers to care seeking. In assessing knowledge of risk factors, about 50% of women did not know any risk factors for breast cancer whereas 42% of women believed long term contraceptive use a risk factor. However, 37% and 35% of women did not think that family history or being older were risk factors, respectively.Conclusions: The success of efforts to improve early diagnosis in a setting without population-based screening depends on women being aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms, risks, and ultimately seeking care for breast concerns. Fortunately, most women said they would seek care if they noticed a change in their breasts, but the low levels of cancer knowledge, symptoms, and common risk factors highlight the need for targeted community education and awareness campaigns.

scholarly journals Awareness on Cancer and Barriers to Health Care Seeking Among Adults of Bardiya

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Chanda Sah ◽  
Srijana Aryal ◽  
Gita Neupane
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a leading public health problem worldwide. Low awareness on cancer leads to increase in burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to find out awareness regarding cancer among people. Total 100 samples were selected by using non-probability purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interview schedule was developed with the guide of the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) to collect data. Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The findings of the study showed that none of the study respondents were aware of all the nine warning signs of cancer. Majority (80%) of the respondents were aware that “a sore that doesn’t heal” and minority (15%) knew about “change in bowel and bladder habit” as warning signs of cancer. Regarding risk factors, majority knew chemical fertilizer and pesticides and unseasonal fruits and vegetables (90%), smoking (88%) as risk factors of cancer and minority (32%) knew about excessive sun exposure. There was statistically significant association between respondents’ level of awareness regarding cancer with education status (p= 0.011). CONCLUSION: Findings of the study revealed that more than half (68%) of the adults had low awareness regarding cancer. Emotional barriers (88%) were known to be affecting health care seeking behaviours for cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to organize health awareness campaigns addressing emotional barriers might improve in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

scholarly journals Population Awareness of Cardiovascular Disease Risk factors and Health Care Seeking Behavior in the UAE

2021 ◽  
pp. 100255
Author(s):  
Mahra Nooruddin Kazim ◽  
Tagried Hamdan AbouMoussa ◽  
Fatima Ahmed AL-Hammadi ◽  
Asma Al Ali ◽  
Fariba Mohammad Abedini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Health Care Seeking Behavior

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Behavior among Women of Delhi, India: Identifying Barriers to Early Detection

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. BCBCR.S40358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhojit Dey ◽  
Surabhi Sharma ◽  
Arti Mishra ◽  
Suneeta Krishnan ◽  
Jyotsna Govil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Initial Symptom ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Early Presentation ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Prevention Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Background Globally, breast cancer (BC) has become the leading cause of mortality in women. Awareness and early detection can curb the growing burden of BC and are the first step in the battle against BC. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the awareness and perceived barriers concerning the early detection of BC. Methods A total of 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted during May 2013–March 2014. Pre-existing themes were used to conduct FGDs; each FGD group consisted of an average of ~10 women (aged ≥18–70 years) who came to participate in a BC awareness workshop. All FGDs were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were inductively analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Based on emerged codes and categories, thematic analysis was done, and theory was developed using the grounded theory approach. Results Data were analyzed in three major themes: i) knowledge and perception about BC; ii) barriers faced by women in the early presentation of BC; and iii) healthcare-seeking behavior. The findings revealed that shyness, fear, and posteriority were the major behavioral barriers in the early presentation of BC. Erroneously, pain was considered as an initial symptom of BC by most women. Financial constraint was also mentioned as a cause for delay in accessing treatment. Social stigma that breast problems reflect bad character of women also contributed in hiding BC symptoms. Conclusions Lack of BC awareness was prevalent, especially in low socioeconomic class. Women's ambivalence in prioritizing their own health and social and behavioral hurdles should be addressed by BC awareness campaigns appropriately suited for various levels of social class.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Care Seeking Behavior of Obstetric Complication in Thailand

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
SK Sharma ◽  
P Vong-Ek
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Hard Work ◽  
Obstetric Complication ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Background Importance of maternal health has been recognized over the last decade, however information about the perception of illness and healthcare behavior of obstetric complication is lacking. Objective This study assesses women’s knowledge, perception, and experience of obstetric complication and care-seeking behavior and explores the factors associated with the morbidity and the constraints hindering them from seeking timely care. Methods Twenty one in-depth interviews on the perceptions, experience and care seeking behavior related to pregnancy and delivery of Women at Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance site of Thailand were conducted. A structured guideline was first prepared in English and translated into Thai language. An interpreter was hired to interview women at the Thai-Myanmar border to translate Thai into local language. A moderator note-taker, and interpreter were present throughout the interview period and tape recorded the conversation. Results In-depth interview revealed that even though quality maternal health care was accessible to most of the women, obstetric complication was prevalent and they were not seeking appropriate care specifically in highland. Too early and too late marriage, frequent child bearing, poverty, hard work, poor nutrition and traditional practices were the reasons for complications. Poor transportation, lack of health insurance, inadequate training of health personnel, poor health facilities and the perception that the complications are normal for pregnant women were the main reasons for not seeking appropriate care. Conclusions Perceived reasons for complications among women living in Kanchanaburi, Thailand were early marriage, frequent childbearing, hard work, poor nutrition and traditional practices. The constraints hindering them from seeking care for the complications were perceived to be the lack of access to health personnel, health facilities, and proper transportation. These issues seemed to be related to poverty. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 63-70 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7347

scholarly journals Trends of inequalities in care seeking behavior for under-five children with suspected pneumonia in Ethiopia: evidence from Ethiopia demographic and health surveys (2005–2016)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gebretsadik Shibre ◽  
Betregiorgis Zegeye ◽  
Dina Idriss-Wheeler ◽  
Sanni Yaya
Keyword(s):  
Health Surveys ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Index Of Inequality ◽  
Suspected Pneumonia

Abstract Background Pneumonia is a leading public health problem in under-five children worldwide and particularly in Africa. Unfortunately, progress in reducing pneumonia related mortality has been slow. The number of children with symptoms of pneumonia taken to health facilities for treatment is low in Ethiopia, and disparities among sub-groups regarding health seeking behavior for pneumonia have not been well explored in the region. This study assessed the trends of inequalities in care seeking behavior for children under five years of age with suspected pneumonia in Ethiopia. Methods Using cross-sectional data from the 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT), this study investigated the inequalities in health seeking behavior for children with suspected pneumonia. Four measures of inequality were calculated: Difference, Ratio, Slope Index of Inequality and Relative Index of Inequality. Results were disaggregated by wealth, education, residence, and sex with computed 95% Uncertainty Intervals for each point estimate to determine significance. Results The percentage of under-five children with symptoms of pneumonia who were taken to a health facility was significantly lower for children in the poorest families, 15.48% (95% UI; 9.77, 23.64) as compared to children in the richest families, 61.72% (95% UI; 45.06, 76.02) in 2011. Substantial absolute (SII = 35.61; 95% UI: 25.31, 45.92) and relative (RII = 4.04%; 95% UI: 2.25, 5.84) economic inequalities were also observed. Both educational and geographic inequalities were observed; (RII = 2.07; 95% UI: 1.08, 3.06) and (D = 28.26; 95% UI: 7.14, 49.37), respectively. Economic inequality decreased from 2011 to 2016. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female under-five children with pneumonia symptoms taken to health facility, in all the studied years. Conclusions Health care seeking behavior for children with pneumonia was lower among the poorest and non-educated families as well as children in rural regions. Policies and strategies need to target subpopulations lagging behind in seeking care for pneumonia treatment as it impedes achievement of key UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

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