Submission ID 130546
| Issue/Objective | Although breast cancer screening (BCS) improves survival, utilization is low in many developing countries. In Ethiopia, for example, fewer than one in five women had ever used any BCS. Existing studies focused on individual-level determinants, with limited attention to sociocultural and health system influences, and to perspectives from multiple stakeholders. We explored barriers and facilitators to BCS utilization in South Ethiopia. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Descriptive qualitative study was conducted between May and July 2025 in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia. To capture diverse perspectives, we used two focus group discussions and 19 in-depth interviews with women, health providers, and health system leaders. Hybrid thematic analysis, combining both inductive and deductive approaches informed by Health Belief Model, was employed. We applied Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist to report findings. |
| Results | Three themes emerged: (1) pervasive knowledge gaps and misconceptions: limited awareness, misconceptions; (2) multifaceted barriers: symptom-driven care-seeking, low perceived risk, modesty concerns, fear of social consequences, and health system constraints (limited infrastructure, provider training gap, and access costs); and (3) facilitators: perceived benefits of early detection, trust in health providers recommendations, spousal support, and peer influence. Participants emphasized need for strengthening community outreach, community health system linkages, provider training, improved infrastructure, and integration of BCS indicators into Health Management Information System. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | BCS utilization is shaped by multilevel factors. Integrated interventions should move beyond awareness creation to broader sociocultural norms, structural barriers, and provider training, while leveraging trusted cues including provider recommendations and spousal support to improve utilization. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Charuai Suwanbamrung Public Health Research Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Eskinder Israel Tona Public Health Research Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand |
