Barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment among women in Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to explore attitudes and beliefs among major national groups of women resident in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (EAD) in relation to breast cancer screening and treatment.

DESIGN

A qualitative study utilizing age and nationality specific focus group discussions and interviews in all parts of EAD.

SETTING

Study was conducted among women living in various areas of EAD during April-September 2009.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 329 participants divided into four nationality groups and categorized into two functional groups (well women and regular screeners) were included in this study and participated in 46 focus groups and 30 personal interviews.

RESULTS

Some differences in beliefs, perceptions and opinions related to stated causes of breast cancer, preferences regarding breast care services, financial considerations, trust in health services and cultural attitudes towards breast cancer were observed across nationality and age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

New information has been obtained that will shape more focused awareness messages, emphasizing on decreasing fear and shame, discouraging use of cauterization and herbal preparations in delaying care, and activating the role of older female peers in favor of breast screening. Ensuring a sufficient number of trained female health care providers and devising creative approaches to ensure preventive health care costs to reimburse non-nationals are structural changes to the health care system which may further improve breast health for all women in EAD.