Access To Support Services Research Articles

“Our stories are different but our situations are the same”: gendered experiences finding housing

PurposeThis study aims to explore the gendered nature of housing insecurity by investigating how gender affects women’s experience moving from transitional to market housing. By describing women’s pathways out of supportive or transitional housing support, the authors show how patriarchal forces in housing policies and practices affect women’s efforts to find secure housing. The authors argue that gender-neutral approaches to housing will fail to meet women’s needs.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores the narratives from women accessing support services in Halifax, Canada. The first author conducted deep narrative interviews with women seeking to move from transition to market housing.FindingsThis research sheds light on the effects of gendered barriers to safe, suitable and affordable housing; how women’s experiences and expectations are shaped by these barriers; and, how housing-based supports must address the uniquely gendered experiences women face as they access market housing. In addition, this research reveals the importance of gender-responsive services that empower women facing a sexist housing market.Originality/valueLittle research has explored questions related to gender and housing among those seeking to move from transitional to marker housing, and existing research focuses on women’s housing insecurity as it relates to domestic violence. The sample of women included those having housing insecurity for a variety of reasons, including substance use and young motherhood.

Determinants of Referral Outcomes for Victim–Survivors Accessing Specialist Sexual Violence and Abuse Support Services

ABSTRACT Sexual violence and abuse (SVA) is highly prevalent globally, has devastating and wide-ranging effects on victim-survivors, and demands the provision of accessible specialist support services. In the UK, Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW), a voluntary third sector organization, is the main provider of specialist SVA services. Understanding the profile of victim-survivors who are referred to RCEW and their referral outcomes is important for the effective allocation of services. Using administrative data collected by three Rape Crisis Centres in England between April 2016 and March 2020, this study used multinomial regression analysis to examine the determinants of victim-survivors’ referral outcomes, controlling for a wide range of potentially confounding variables. The findings demonstrate that support needs, more so than the type of abuse experienced, predicted whether victim-survivors were engaged with services. Particularly, the presence of mental health, substance misuse and social, emotional, and behavioral needs were important for referral outcomes. The referral source also influenced referral outcomes, and there were some differences according to demographic characteristics and socioeconomic factors. The research was co-produced with stakeholders from RCEW, who informed interpretation of these findings. That victim-survivors’ engagement with services was determined by their support needs, over and above demographic characteristics or the type of abuse they had experienced, demonstrates the needs-led approach to service provision adopted by RCEW, whereby resources are allocated effectively to those who need them most.

AI Assisting in Mental Health

Abstract: This research paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of mental health counselling, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of support services. As the demand for mental health care continues to rise globally, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between the increasing demand for counselling and the limited availability of human counsellors. Our study focuses on the integration of AI technologies to assist mental health counsellors in various aspects of their practice. Through an extensive review of existing literature, we analyse the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing AI in counselling settings. The paper highlights AI's ability to augment traditional counselling approaches by offering timely and personalised interventions, improving the overall efficiency of therapeutic processes. Drawing on case studies and pilot programs, this research presents empirical evidence supporting the positive outcomes and user acceptance of AI-assisted counselling interventions. Additionally, the paper discusses potential limitations, such as the need for continuous refinement of algorithms and the importance of addressing concerns related to data security and privacy.

Evaluating a peer-to-peer health education program in Australian public housing communities during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe cohealth Health Concierge program operated in Melbourne, Australia from July 2020 to 30 June 2022. It provided peer-to-peer support to culturally and linguistically diverse residents of high-rise public housing. During this time, the COVID-19 public health response changed frequently and included movement restriction, testing and vaccination. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to determine the Health Concierge program’s impact on residents’ engagement with health services and public health activities.MethodsThe evaluation, informed by a Project Reference Group, used the RE-AIM framework. We analysed data from 20,901 routinely collected forms describing interactions between Concierges and residents from August 2021 to May 2022. Additional evaluation-specific data were collected between March and May 2022 in four housing estates; we surveyed 301 residents and conducted 32 interviews with residents, Concierges and program stakeholders.ResultsConcierges promoted COVID-safe behaviours; linked residents with support, testing and vaccination services; and disseminated up-to-date information. Of the 20,901 recorded interactions, 8,872 (42%) included Concierges providing support around COVID-19 vaccination. Most surveyed residents (191/301, 63%) reported speaking with a Concierge in the previous six months. The self-reported two-dose COVID-19 vaccine uptake was 94% (283/301). Some residents described having meaningful, appreciated conversations with Concierges, and some described superficial interactions. While residents initially welcomed the program, many felt it failed to evolve. Poorly defined management and hiring criteria led to variable program implementation. A need for bicultural workers to continue linking residents with services was discussed.ConclusionsConcierges’ impact on residents may have contributed to high community uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and had benefits beyond the COVID-19 remit. We recommend the program be revised and continued to inform further preparedness planning and support service access generally. Program models such as this have potential to inform and reassure high-risk communities during a pandemic. In addition, such programs can help overcome vaccine hesitancy and promote protective health behaviours, regardless of whether a pandemic is currently occurring. Ensuring these programs remain responsive to the changing needs of end-users needs over time is imperative.

Online and Offline Sexual Exploitation of Boys, Young Men, and Trans/Third Gender Youth and Adults in Northern Thailand

ABSTRACT Globally, anti-trafficking prevention organizations and law enforcement have struggled to keep up with the constantly changing online spaces used for sex trade and trafficking. The current study aimed to understand the current state of online commercial sexual exploitation of boys, young men, and trans/third gender children and adults in Thailand. Using a respondent-driven sampling methodology, data were collected from 94 individuals assigned male at birth, ranging in age from 16 to 39 years old regarding 1) Demographics, 2) Entrance into Sex Trade, 3) Sex Trade & Exploitation in Person, 4) Online Sex Trade & Exploitation, 5) Physical and Emotional Safety, and 6) Accessing Support Services. Results found that the use of the internet for child sexual exploitation and sex trade is pervasive, with the majority of respondents noting participation in both in-person and online engagement with customers. Physical and sexual violence were frequently reported among respondents. Furthermore, gender norms and expectations present unique vulnerabilities for cisgender males and trans/third gender people from accessing and receiving support and services. The results of this study inform comprehensive recommendations for service providers, policymakers, funders, and researchers, and work toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal of promoting a just, peaceful, and inclusive society.

The Influence of HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services Accessibility on Utilization among HIV Infected Adults in Baringo County, Kenya

Context: Globally, efforts are being made to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and improve the general health of people living with HIV/AIDS through continuous access to care and support services. However, the incidence of dropouts from utilization of HIV care and support services is rising among the HIV-positive clients enrolled in comprehensive care clinics in Baringo County for unidentified reasons. As a result, recognizing the opportunities and challenges in low-resourced communities that must be overcome to promote greater access to care and treatment will influence higher utilization.
 Aim: This study evaluates the influence of accessibility of HIV/AIDS care and support services on the utilization of HIV-infected adults in Baringo County.
 Methods: The study was conducted in Baringo County HIV comprehensive care centers. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used with 580 participants recruited. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data.
 Results: Support from social services (p<0.0001), less frequent visits to clinics less than one month (p<0.0001), access to treatment interventions (p<0.0001), and easily accessible information (p <0.0001) were among the factors associated with good accessibility to HIV services, according to bivariate analysis. Conversely, being an atheist (p<0.006), residing in rural areas (p ≤0.0006), difficulty accessing services (p≤0.0001), and getting to another town (p < 0.03) or getting to another county (p ≤0.0004) were linked to inadequate access to HIV/AIDS care and support services.
 Conclusion: The findings show that the efforts to support clients' access to HIV/AIDS care and support services should be made in response to their individual needs and consideration of geographical location. Besides, individualized HIV/AIDS services access depends on the support provided, where they are located, easily accessible information about the services, and how frequently they are provided. In contrast, living in rural areas, seeking services in a different town, feeling ashamed to visit clinics, and having a lower CD4 count were all associated with poor accessibility and utilization of HIV/AIDS care and support services. Consequently, it is necessary to establish support initiatives to address any of these access issues that particular clients might have.

Impact of Domestic Violence on Women’s Mental Health and Coping Strategies: A Survey Study in Mexico

This study investigates the impact of domestic violence on women’s mental health and explores coping strategies employed by survivors in Mexico City. Through surveys and interviews, demographic characteristics, incidence, types of domestic violence, mental health effects, and coping strategies were examined. Findings reveal pervasive mental health issues among survivors, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Coping strategies include seeking social support, safety planning, and accessing support services. Implications for mental health services and policy are discussed, highlighting the need for trauma-informed care and targeted interventions.

Validation of a Screening Tool for Dyslexia in English among Arabic-Speaking University Students in the Gulf Area

When teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, at times, dyslexic students may confound instructors at the lack of improvement in their English language ability. Such students may not have the specialist diagnostic assessment to access support services. A simple but inexpensive measure to screen for dyslexia would facilitate a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. This study examined whether an Arabic-translated version of a widely-used English L1 (first language) dyslexia checklist could identify Arabic L1 students who exhibited difficulties in English. Participants were 734 female EFL undergraduates studying EAP in one gulf university. The participants completed Arabic versions of the checklist. Using prescribed cut off scores, participants were divided into three groups: non-dyslexic, mildly dyslexic, and dyslexic. To validate the checklist, a subsample of 110 students were randomly selected for further assessment of dyslexia using the following indicators: word reading, pseudoword reading, spelling ability, phonological awareness, and rapid automatized naming skills. Results showed significant differences among the three groups for nearly all measures, suggesting that the Arabic translated checklist can be an easily administered, useful screening tool to identify Arabic L1 students who are at-risk of dyslexia in EFL.

Language as a Linguistic Barrier in Black Immigrants Accessing Domestic Violence Services

This research paper investigates the impact of language barriers on help-seeking behaviors among Black immigrants, with a focus on their experiences in various domains, including accessing and utilizing domestic violence services. The research engages ten service providers, including frontline workers from domestic violence agencies. The study adopts a qualitative approach, incorporating interviews and focus groups, to comprehensively explore the complexities of language barriers and Black immigrant help-seeking behaviors through service providers’ perspectives. The qualitative findings reveal that language proficiency plays a pivotal role in shaping the help-seeking behaviors of Black immigrants. Participants with limited language skills expressed challenges in articulating their needs, understanding available resources, and navigating different service systems. Moreover, cultural stigmatization surrounding help-seeking in certain communities further discourages Black immigrants from accessing support services, contributing to underutilization. The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive service provision and the need for social work practitioners to receive training in cultural competence. Bridging the linguistic divide and creating inclusive service delivery models are crucial steps toward providing equitable access to support resources for Black immigrants. Furthermore, the study calls for future research to explore effective interventions and strategies to overcome language barriers and encourage help-seeking behaviors in this vulnerable population.

Effect of modified income assistance payment schedules on substance use service access: Evidence from an experimental study

BackgroundDespite being critical to reducing the impacts of poverty internationally, synchronized monthly government income assistance payments are linked to intensified drug use and associated harms, including disrupted access to substance use-related services. This study evaluates whether alternative income assistance distribution schedules improve harm reduction (HR), pharmacotherapy and substance use service utilization. MethodsThis exploratory, parallel group, unblinded, randomized controlled trial analyzed data from adults (n = 192) in Vancouver, Canada receiving income assistance, and reporting active, regular illicit drug use. Participants were randomly assigned on a 1:2:2 basis for six income assistance payment cycles to: (1) existing government schedules (control); (2) a “staggered” single monthly payment; or (3) “split & staggered” twice-monthly payments. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed secondary outcomes of HR, pharmacotherapy and substance use service utilization as well as barriers accessing these services. ResultsForty-five control, 71 staggered, and 76 split & staggered volunteers participated between 2015 and 2019. Multivariable modified per-protocol analyses demonstrate increased access to substance use services (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.64, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.02–2.64) for split & staggered arm participants, and, conversely, increased barriers to HR for participants in the staggered (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.24–4.41) and split & staggered (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.08–4.35) arms. Results also showed decreased barriers to pharmacotherapy around government payments (AOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.90), pharmacotherapy around individual payments (AOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.58), and HR around individual payments (AOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.63) for staggered arm participants. ConclusionModifying payments schedules demonstrate improved access to overall substance use services, and reduced barriers to HR and pharmacotherapy around income assistance payments. However, increased overall barriers to HR access were also shown. These complex, predominantly beneficial findings support the exploration of offering alternative payment schedules to support service access.

An investigation into mothers' experiences of their children's functional tic-like behaviour and tic attacks.

This is the first study to systematically explore the lived experiences of sudden and new onset of severe functional tics from the perspective of the mother's experiences and describes their attempts to access support services in the United Kingdom. Twenty-One mothers of young people aged between 12 to 17 years with functional tic-like behaviour (FTLB) took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed gaps and inconsistencies within the process of gaining access to professional services and a lack of support for the management of tics and functional tic-like movements, in addition to highlighting the impact it had on daily family life. The themes generated included the occurrence and development of tics, the severity and intensity of symptoms, the psychological impact on the family and the need to make recommendations for a clear care pathway. Managing the impact of the FTLB and co-occurring conditions such as suicidal ideation and self-harm, as well as the physical and emotional trauma, commonly contributed to feelings of isolation and helplessness, which impacted negatively on the family's ability to function and participate in society. The findings emphasize the urgent need to create a clear management pathway for those experiencing FTLB, including the need for more professionals with relevant knowledge, to improve the dialogue with families during the referral process, whilst prioritising the treatment of anxiety and other identified mental health concerns.

The Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Background: The protection of women’s right especially in a patriarchal setting like ours is of grave importance. Gender-based violence is a salient pandemic, affecting many lives in Nigeria. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women, who continue to face violence due to their vulnerability in a society dominated by men. The study examined the prevalence of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study highlighted three objectives to include assessing the prevalence of sexual violence, physical violence, and emotional violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive research design was employed in this study and the population comprised women and girls with cases of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom South. Simple random and snowball sampling techniques were used to draw a sample size of 150 respondents. Instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences through descriptive statistics. Results: The research found that there is high prevalence of sexual and physical violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State; every woman/girl encounters emotional violence sometime in their life; there is low level of reporting incidents of sexual and physical violence; emotional violence is obviously considered insignificance and as such unreported. Recommendations: The study recommends among others that the government, NGOs, and civil organizations should engage communities in discussions and actions against policies and cultural barriers affecting women’s right, consistently raise awareness on GBV and its consequences, strengthen the legal framework to ensure laws against GBV are enforceable, and provide accessible and adequate support services to GBV survivors.

Front-Line Insights Into the Social Determinants of Health in Housing Instability: A Multi-Province Study.

Individuals experiencing housing instability face significant health inequities. Addressing housing instability requires an understanding of the factors that contribute to these inequities-a responsibility that has been assumed by community-based organizations. Interviewing individuals from 3 Canadian provinces, the present study aimed to examine the perspectives of individuals from front-line services of the social determinants of health (SDoH) needs of individuals experiencing housing instability. As part of a larger knowledge translation study, we conducted 8 semi-structured interviews with individuals from front-line services (eg, shelter workers and shelter mental health nurses) in Canada (Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta) and used thematic analysis to identify predominant unmet SDoH needs. Individuals from front-line services discussed the roles of many SDoH that may perpetuate housing instability in their clients. These included: (1) limited social supports; (2) poor access to health services; (3) poor opportunities for income and employment; (4) lack of transportation; (5) gender-based discrimination; (6) race-based discrimination; and (7) limited access to education and limited literacy skills. This study reveals how front-line service providers observe SDoH factors contributing to housing instability and create barriers to accessing support services. They advocate for a multi-system approach to addressing intersecting SDoH factors to validate clients' experiences and help them achieve stable housing. Additionally, more research and consultation with front-line providers are necessary to understand and overcome systemic barriers to stable housing.

Childcare Voucher: A Qualitative/Pilot Study, Exploring the Experiences of Expectant and Parenting Teenage Mothers in Washington, District of Columbia (DC)

Objective: The aim of this study is to use human-centered design and journey mapping to explore the experience of Expectant and Parenting Teens in the District of Columbia (DC) in accessing childcare while attending school and/or seeking employment. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 young mothers who had experienced teenage pregnancy and 10 providers assisting young parents in accessing support services, including childcare. Journey map interview guide (Table 1) was used for this interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim to ensure that the participants’ statements were maintained in the transcripts. A thematic analysis was used to examine data and themes arising from the interviews. Open and axial coding was used to code the interview transcripts and organize them into categories and themes following an inductive and deductive approach. Results: The design team conducted 30 deep-dive interviews with 20 young parents (ages 18 - 25) and 10 providers assisting young parents in accessing support services, including childcare. The young parents interviewed were majority Black (66%) and Hispanic (19%), and largely live in wards 7 (33%) and 8 (28%). Their children’s average age was 4 years (range 2 months -8 years). Discussion: Three main themes and categories were identified as (1) Motivation to finish high school and find employment, (2) Challenges of accessing childcare voucher and quality childcare (3) Support staff (school councilors) experience.

Students’ Perceptions of the Digital Access Centres at the University of South Africa

This paper sought to investigate the accessibility of Digital Access Centres as a resource for Unisa Students needing to access services away from campus. The Digital Access Centres are available in open-distance e-learning institutions like Unisa in a quest to reach students. Unisa regional computer labs are always fully packed with students queuing to access the computers to access online platforms to write and submit assignments. Students are also expected to use Digital Access Centres to access support services instead of travelling long distances to regional offices or campuses. This study investigated UNISA students’ perceptions and knowledge of Digital Access Centres. A qualitative research methodology was used. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews with thirteen students. The sample was drawn from a population of students who visit computer labs at the Gauteng Regional Service Centre. The data collected revealed that students do not know about Digital Access Centres despite information being available on myUnisa and myChoice brochures. The findings also revealed that few students are accessing Digital Access Centres, and those who visited the centres, indicated that the centres are not fully operational and struggle with connectivity.

Locked out or let in? Learning from victim-survivors’ remote help-seeking experiences during COVID-19

As COVID-19 traversed the world, public health control measures introduced to reduce the spread of the virus restricted people’s movements and confined many victim-survivors to homes with their abusers. These restrictions raised challenges for services providing support to victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) leading many to rapidly pivot to remote service delivery models. Much of the existing knowledge about victim-survivor service use during COVID-19 is based on the reflections and observations of practitioners and service providers. This article centres on the experiences and expertise of victim-survivors, using findings from an Australian study that investigated victim-survivors’ use of DFV services during lockdowns. Our exploratory survey data revealed that lockdowns created conditions in homes that made it challenging to receive support remotely with concerns about privacy looming large. At the same time, several victim-survivors reported that the widescale shift to remote service provision during lockdowns improved the accessibility of support services. Positive experiences of remote service provision during COVID-19 provide support for the retention of hybrid service models in the future to cater for diverse victim-survivor needs and communities.

Access to and effectiveness of support services for students in extended curriculum programmes at a South African university

In South Africa, many students enter university without the skills required for success in higher education. Extended curriculum programmes (ECP) were developed to provide students who showed potential but were underprepared with the necessary foundations to achieve success in higher education. Student support services are essential to student success. This has been apparent especially in universities enrolling academically underprepared students. This study, conducted by the Office of the Academic Advisor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, aimed to explore the effectiveness of and participation in support services available to students in the ECP. The last cohort of ECP students was accepted at the faculty in 2018 for the MBChB, BSc Physiotherapy, and BSc Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy degrees. On successful completion of the ECP, students join the second year of their respective mainstream programme and are tracked throughout their academic career with dedicated support services offered to them. As students transition from the ECP, they need to utilise their own agency to access the support services available. A quantitative survey including qualitative responses was used for data collection and was explored using thematic analysis. Specifically, the study explored students’ awareness and utilisation of, and their expressed interest in, the available support services. It was important to investigate the support needs of ECP students as an increasing need for support services had been identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, minimal data were evident on support needs of senior ECP students and especially on this population in health sciences. The research gave greater insight into students’ support needs. The findings indicated that students were familiar with and had accessed support services to an extent that they were able to share firsthand experiences of accessing support at the university.

Dementia care navigation: A systematic review on different models and their prevalence

AbstractBackgroundDementia Care Navigators (DCNs) are professionals without clinical training, who provide individualised emotional and practical support to people living with dementia, working alongside clinical services. Navigator services have been implemented widely but the service offered vary without a consistent overview provided. The aim of this narrative systematic review was to describe and compare existing models, and to synthesise evidence regarding their implementation and impacts.MethodsThe review was registered on PROSPERO [CRD42021292518]. Three electronic databases were searched and included studies reported on a DCN model, defined as a service in which non‐clinically trained workers provide personalised advice and support to people with dementia and/or carers in the community. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and titles and read through full papers for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment QualSyst.ResultsWe included 13 papers (six studies). All models were US‐based and only varied by integration and training provided. Studies reported different degrees of impact on service utilisation and on symptoms and mental well‐being of people with dementia and their carers, with too little evidence to draw substantial/meaningful conclusions. One study evidenced greater impacts on people with more advanced dementia compared to earlier stages.ConclusionsDCN models have the potential to effectively provide non‐clinical support to people with dementia and carers from the point of diagnosis. Further research from countries other than the USA, focusing on the impact on social care and social support service access and utilisation, and utilising similar stablished outcome measures are required.

Korean Immigrant Mothers and the Journey to Autism Diagnosis and Services for Their Child in the United States

Since autism diagnosis is directly linked to the availability of supportive services, identifying best practices for early diagnosis of autism has long been a concern of professionals and families. Meanwhile, studies show persistent racial disparities in autism diagnosis. Although numerous clinical diagnostic guidelines have been published, there is not enough discussion of diagnostic procedures through the lens of culturally diverse families. Purpose. This study focuses on the autism diagnostic experiences that Korean immigrant mothers had with their children. Methods. Eleven first-generation Korean-American mothers of children with autism were included in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews in Korean. Results. The main five factors (i.e., cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, complex emotions, immigration and navigating systems, and facilitators and assets) that mainly influence the diagnosis process were identified through thematic analysis. Conclusion. Dynamics are interactive within and between the factors, influencing the entire diagnostic process by either delaying or facilitating the identification of a child’s autism and the provision of treatment.

Exploring enablers and barriers to breast self-examination among women in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of BC in asymptomatic women. More than 90% of cases of BC can be detected by women themselves. This reality stresses the importance of BSE as the key BC detection mechanism. However, in Ethiopia, most of the BE studies were not conducted among women in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to explore enablers and barriers to breast self-examination among women in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia. A descriptive qualitative study design was conducted from August 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 46 women from one selected district in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia. A Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for FGD. The audio-recorded data were transcribed verbatim to “Afan Oromo”. Transcribed data were translated into English. The data were manually coded into themes and analyzed manually by using inductive thematic analysis. The findings of the study were discussed under five themes of enablers and three themes of barriers. The five themes of enablers were knowledge about BC, knowledge about BSE, experience of BSE practice, perceived susceptibility, and perceived benefit of BSE practice. The four themes of barriers were low knowledge of BSE practice, misconceptions about BSE practice, and fear of detecting BC. These findings suggest that targeted health education programs, collaboration between healthcare providers and local stakeholders, and the availability of support services can play a crucial role in overcoming barriers and encouraging BSE practice for early detection of breast abnormalities.