Health-seeking behaviour and delayed presentation of oral cancer patients in a developing country: A qualitative study based on the self-regulatory model
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to explore reasons for delayed health-seeking for late stage oral cancer patients. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 oral cancer patients with TNM stage III to IV disease, who were treated at six tertiary regional centres managing oral cancer throughout Malaysia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using NVivo (version 10.0) qualitative software and analysed using framework analysis. Results: Participants interpreted their early symptoms as a minor condition and did not consider it as requiring immediate attention. Four types of coping strategies causing delayed help-seeking emerged: 1) self-remedy 2) self-medication 3) seeking traditional healers and 4) consulting general medical practitioners (GPs) instead of dentists. Socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs and religious practices have some influence on diagnostic delay. Conclusion: Low levels of public knowledge and awareness regarding early signs and symptoms of oral cancer as well as GPs' misdiagnosis of early lesions results in delayed diagnosis.
Keywords
oral cancer, health-seeking behaviour, awareness, self-regulatory model, patient related-factors
Divisions
Dentistry
Publication Title
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume
19
Issue
10
Publisher
West Asia Organization for Cancer Prevention