Waliu Jawula Salisu1, Jila Mirlashari2, Shokoh Varaei1, Khatereh Seylani3. 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733171, Iran. 2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733171, Iran; Women's Health Research Institute, Department of OBGYN, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, Canada. 3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733171, Iran. Electronic address: seylanikh@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To systematically review the available evidence and examine the factors that may limit patients' access to breast cancer care in Africa. METHODS: We searched six databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus) for studies conducted among breast cancer patients in Africa, highlighting patient challenges and barriers to care or treatment. The search was limited to studies published in the English language and from January 2000 until August 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. There were no limitations to the methodological design of the included studies. RESULTS: In total, 18,154 articles were retrieved through electronic search; twenty-five were eligible for inclusion after quality appraisal. We analyzed the data using the deductive content analysis approach. Three categories emerged as barriers to breast cancer care: Socio-economic challenges, Institutional shortfalls, and Distinctiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support that economic hardships, fear, and scarcity of cancer treatments/equipment are critical in limiting access to breast cancer care. Sustainable strategies aimed at scaling-up breast cancer care in the region are necessary. The results also highlight the need for reduced treatment cost and aggressive educational campaigns across healthcare facilities and the local communities.
PURPOSE: To systematically review the available evidence and examine the factors that may limit patients' access to breast cancer care in Africa. METHODS: We searched six databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus) for studies conducted among breast cancerpatients in Africa, highlighting patient challenges and barriers to care or treatment. The search was limited to studies published in the English language and from January 2000 until August 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. There were no limitations to the methodological design of the included studies. RESULTS: In total, 18,154 articles were retrieved through electronic search; twenty-five were eligible for inclusion after quality appraisal. We analyzed the data using the deductive content analysis approach. Three categories emerged as barriers to breast cancer care: Socio-economic challenges, Institutional shortfalls, and Distinctiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support that economic hardships, fear, and scarcity of cancer treatments/equipment are critical in limiting access to breast cancer care. Sustainable strategies aimed at scaling-up breast cancer care in the region are necessary. The results also highlight the need for reduced treatment cost and aggressive educational campaigns across healthcare facilities and the local communities.
Authors: Hari S Iyer; Nicholas G Wolf; John S Flanigan; Marcia C Castro; Lee F Schroeder; Kenneth Fleming; Edda Vuhahula; Charles Massambu Journal: Health Policy Plan Date: 2021-08-12 Impact factor: 3.547