Abstract
The increasing burden of cancer in Kenya has serious implications particularly for women. Understanding how women access breast-cancer treatment services is essential for mitigating its effects. The aim of this study was to examine access to breast cancer treatment services and implications on quality of care in Mombasa County, Kenya. Focus group discussions (N= 3), in-depth interviews (N=7) and a questionnaire were used in data collection. Qualitative data were analyzed using preset themes of access. Other emergent themes were identified and analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS V.23 and tabulated as descriptive. Lack of equipment, distance to facilities, unavailability of specialized personnel, high cost of care and cultural stigma, were the main barriers of access to cancer services. These barriers impacted on quality of care in terms of timeliness, equity, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, safety and efficiency. Poor quality of care was exhibited in reports of wrong and late diagnosis, poor outcomes in surgery, severe burns, broken down equipment, among others. There were also social consequences of being diagnosed with breast cancer including loss of business and termination from employment. Concerted efforts including investments in health workers, equipment and awareness creation are required to support access to quality breast cancer care.
Highlights
Kenya is one of 106 developing countries that lack access to medicine and experience a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]
The objective of this study was to examine in detail access to breast cancer treatment services in Mombasa County with a focus on members of the Breast Cancer Survivors of Coast (BRECASCO)
Access to quality health services is key to treatment outcomes
Summary
Kenya is one of 106 developing countries that lack access to medicine and experience a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [1]. Cancer causes more deaths than HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria combined [2,3]. With over 70% of the global cancer burden in LMIC, The Economist [4] in a viewpoint publication, described cancer as worse than HIV/AIDS in the developing world and the burden is heaviest on the poor. It is estimated that daily cancer mortality rate in Kenya is the highest of the NCDs and registered a 6% annual growth rate between 2010 and 2014. Cancer is the leading cause of hospitalization and mortality at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya’s largest national referral facility [6]. The rapid growth in cancer mortality rate suggests that cancer could be on course to be the leading cause of NCD-related deaths in Kenya.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
