Barriers And Facilitators of Health Seeking Behavior Among Women with Breast Cancer Users of Public Hospitals

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common in the world and the most frequent among women. The incidence varies between regions. In addition, BC is the fifth cause of cancer death worldwide, the most frequent in the least developed regions, and the second cause of death in the most developed regions and in South America. In Argentina, BC has the highest incidence and mortality rates in women. OBJECTIVES: To understand the reasons and consequences of delays as well as the strategies used by women in coping with barriers along the BC treatment process. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using qualitative data collection technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among women with BC and recorded after informed consent. Atlas-ti (V.7.2) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Barriers were identified at personal level (financial constraints, patient beliefs), at interpersonal level (job problems, family responsibility, physician-patient relationship), and at health system (health service organization, quality of medical care). CONCLUSIONS: The research provides evidence to understand the barriers faced by women diagnosed with BC and shows the opportunities for the implementation of the patient navigation strategy in order to reduce or mitigate delays in the care process.