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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Breast Cancer knowledge, perceptions and practices in a rural Community in Coastal Kenya
BMC Public Health, Volume 19, No. 1, Article 180, Year 2019
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Description
Background: Data on breast healthcare knowledge, perceptions and practice among women in rural Kenya is limited. Furthermore, the role of the male head of household in influencing a woman's breast health seeking behavior is also not known. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perceptions and practice of breast cancer among women, male heads of households, opinion leaders and healthcare providers within a rural community in Kenya. Our secondary objective was to explore the role of male heads of households in influencing a woman's breast health seeking behavior. Methods: This was a mixed method cross-sectional study, conducted between Sept 1st 2015 Sept 30th 2016. We administered surveys to women and male heads of households. Outcomes of interest were analysed in Stata ver 13 and tabulated against gender. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) and 22 key informant interviews (KIIs) with opinion leaders and health care providers, respectively. Elements of the Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) were used to guide analysis of the FGDs and the KIIs. Results: A total of 442 women and 237 male heads of households participated in the survey. Although more than 80% of respondents had heard of breast cancer, fewer than 10% of women and male heads of households had knowledge of 2 or more of its risk factors. More than 85% of both men and women perceived breast cancer as a very serious illness. Over 90% of respondents would visit a health facility for a breast lump. Variable recognition of signs of breast cancer, limited decision- autonomy for women, a preference for traditional healers, lack of trust in the health care system, inadequate access to services, limited early-detection services were the six themes that emerged from the FGDs and the KIIs. There were discrepancies between the qualitative and quantitative data for the perceived role of the male head of household as a barrier to seeking breast health care. Conclusions: Determining level of breast cancer knowledge, the characteristics of breast health seeking behavior and the perceived barriers to accessing breast health are the first steps in establishing locally relevant intervention programs. © 2019 The Author(s).
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Authors & Co-Authors
Sayed, Shahin
Kenya, Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
Ngugi, Anthony K.
Pakistan, Karachi
The Aga Khan University
Mahoney, Megan Ruth
United States, Palo Alto
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
Kurji, Jaameeta
Canada, Ottawa
University of Ottawa
Talib, Zohray Moolani
United States, Washington, D.c.
The George Washington University
MacFarlane, Sarah B.J.
United States, San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco
Saleh, M. N.
United States, Birmingham
O’neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lakhani, Amyn B.
United States, Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Pakistan, Karachi
The Aga Khan University
Nderitu, Esther Wanjiku
Pakistan, Karachi
The Aga Khan University
Agoi, Felix
Pakistan, Karachi
The Aga Khan University
Premji, Zulfiqarali G.
Kenya, Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
Zujewski, Jo Anne
United States, Bethesda
Jz Oncology
Moloo, Zahir
Kenya, Nairobi
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
Statistics
Citations: 23
Authors: 13
Affiliations: 9
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/s12889-019-6464-3
ISSN:
14712458
Research Areas
Cancer
Health System And Policy
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Quantitative
Study Locations
Kenya
Participants Gender
Male
Female