An Exploration of Rural and Urban Kenyan Women's Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Early Detection Measures

    Authors

    A. Muthoni;A. N. Miller

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Health Care Women Int.

    Keywords

    HEALTH BELIEF MODEL; SELF-EXAMINATION; FAMILY-HISTORY; HISPANIC WOMEN; BEHAVIORS; NIGERIA; IBADAN; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Women's Studies

    Abstract

    Many women in Kenya with breast cancer symptoms do not seek medical attention until their cancer is very advanced, leading to high mortality rates and a heavy cancer burden on the nation. In this study we employed eight focus groups with low- and middle-income rural and urban Kenyan women to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning breast cancer and its early detection measures. Topics for discussion were derived from the components of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Findings revealed a huge divide between urban middle-income women and all other groups with respect to knowledge of breast cancer and early detection measures. In addition, women viewed breast cancer as a highly severe disease. Perceived benefits of early detection measures centered around preparing themselves for what was assumed to be inevitable death.

    Journal Title

    Health Care for Women International

    Volume

    31

    Issue/Number

    9

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    801

    Last Page

    816

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000280545700004

    ISSN

    0739-9332

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