Contextual and individual level determinants of breast cancer screening intention among women in Ghana
Date
2013
Authors
Ofori Dei, Samuel M.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences, c2013
Abstract
Steady increases in breast cancer burden have recently been observed in Ghana. Despite the low incidence of the disease compared with other African countries, breast cancer deaths are high in this West African country. However, the uptake of breast cancer screening programs remains extremely low among Ghanaian women. Using a mixed methods approach comprising quantitative surveys and focus groups interviews, this study examined the influences of individual and contextual level factors on Ghanaian women’s intention to perform breast self-examination or undergo clinical breast examination and mammography screening. The results suggest that health beliefs, knowledge, and sociodemographic, cultural and health system factors individually and collectively influence intentions towards breast cancer screening. These findings highlight the need for health education interventions to promote breast cancer screening programs, while addressing systemic, psychosocial, and cultural barriers to screening.
Description
viii, 187 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Breast -- Cancer -- Ghana , Cancer in women -- Ghana , Cancer -- Prevention -- Ghana , Women -- Diseases -- Ghana , Dissertations, Academic