Anticipated First Contact and Time to Seek Healthcare for Possible Breast Cancer Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Ghana.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a serious public health concern in Ghana. This study investigated the anticipated healthcare-seeking behaviour and preferences of women for possible breast cancer symptoms. Specifically, the study examined women's first point of contact as well as the timeliness of seeking healthcare for possible breast cancer symptoms.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey data involved 810 women in 14 rural communities in the Ashanti region, Ghana. The outcome variables were preferred first contact and timing for healthcare seeking. Descriptive analysis and two sets of binary logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

The results indicate that 58.9% of the participants would first contact a medical doctor, whereas 41.1% would contact alternative sources (herbalist/traditional healer, fetish priest/faith healer and pastor/Man of God). Almost all respondents (95.6%) anticipated seeking care early. Women who anticipated contacting alternative sources (e.g., herbalists, pastors or family members) over medical doctors had 2.58 times higher odds of anticipating delays in their healthcare seeking (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.28-5.21). Compared to women in agricultural/farming, those who worked in civil/government/private sectors had 7.87 times higher odds of anticipated delays in seeking healthcare (AOR = 7.87, 95% CI: 2.11-29.40). Women with tertiary education had 92% lower odds of anticipated delays (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.84). Additionally, women who based their healthcare decisions on advice from others had 66% lower odds of delaying healthcare seeking (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.85).

CONCLUSION

Almost all women would seek healthcare early for possible breast cancer symptoms; however, a significant proportion anticipated contacting alternative/non-medical sources. There is a need to raise awareness among women about the importance of consulting a medical doctor for breast cancer symptoms to ensure timely and appropriate medical assessment and treatment. Addressing hurdles such as limited access to medical facilities and financial constraints can improve health-seeking preferences for breast cancer symptoms.

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

At the start of the project, a community-based project advisory board (CPAB) was set up. The CPAB included local government representatives from the Ghana Health Service (n = 1) and District Assembly (n = 4), traditional leaders (n = 3), public sector health services (health service providers and managers) (n = 4), community women representatives (n = 4), breast cancer survivor (n = 1) and breast health advocates (n = 2). In this study, the CPAB members assisted in gaining community access, recruiting local women as study recruitment links in each site and providing guidance on field work safety. The study results have been discussed with CPAB members and field workers in a series of project meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.