Factors Influencing Help-Seeking Behavior in Men with Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: A Qualitative Study Using an Ecological Perspective

Cancer Invest. 2021 Jul-Aug;39(6-7):529-538. doi: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1933009. Epub 2021 Jun 1.

Abstract

This qualitative study explored factors that could potentially influence help-seeking in men with symptoms of prostate cancer in Nigeria. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 27 men, between 54 and 84 years, diagnosed with prostate cancer ≤ 2 years prior to the interview. Data were analyzed using thematic framework approach. Several factors were identified and further captured as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional/community level factors using an ecological perspective. These factors interact to impact negatively on the help-seeking behavior of men with symptoms of prostate cancer. These findings support the formulation of public health strategies to improve men's help-seeking behavior in Nigeria.

Keywords: Prostate cancer; help-seeking behavior; social-ecological model.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Help-Seeking Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Socioeconomic Factors