Sarmah, N.; Sibiya, M.N.; Khoza, T.E. The Sociocultural Influences on Breast Cancer Screening among Rural African Women in South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 7005.
Sarmah, N.; Sibiya, M.N.; Khoza, T.E. The Sociocultural Influences on Breast Cancer Screening among Rural African Women in South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 7005.
Sarmah, N.; Sibiya, M.N.; Khoza, T.E. The Sociocultural Influences on Breast Cancer Screening among Rural African Women in South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 7005.
Sarmah, N.; Sibiya, M.N.; Khoza, T.E. The Sociocultural Influences on Breast Cancer Screening among Rural African Women in South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 7005.
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the most deadly non-communicable diseases in the world. The incidence of breast cancer in South Africa is increasing, with rural African women presenting with advanced stages of the disease. In this study, we aim to explore sociocultural factors influencing breast cancer screening practices among rural African women. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 rural African women selected by purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. In this study, four sociocultural factors were identified as influencing breast cancer screening practices among rural African women. These factors included psychological factors, habits, beliefs, and healthcare perception. Women in rural African communities have deep-rooted traditional beliefs and practices regarding breast cancer. Consequently, this influences women's preventative health behaviours regarding breast cancer screening. To increase the number of women participating in breast cancer screenings, it is vital to develop culturally sensitive health education programs. Engaging community healers will also help to increase the number of women participating in breast cancer screening.
Keywords
breast cancer; culture; belief; rural; South Africa
Subject
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
