The influence of socio-cultural factors on breast cancer screening behaviors in Lagos, Nigeria

Bilikisu Elewonibi, Rhonda BeLue

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Culture has been shown to influence health beliefs and health-related behaviors by influencing the type of health information to which women have been exposed and shapes health and illness perceptions and practices. To increase screening rates, cultural influences should be considered as important correlates of screening behaviors for breast cancer. This study used semi-structured interviews of women attending a cancer screening facility in Lagos, Nigeria guided by the PEN-3 model to describe culturally relevant factors that shape attitudes toward breast cancer and breast cancer screening. Religion was the most prominent theme and was shown to have positive, negative and existential effect on breast cancer perceptions. Other major themes observed were related to family and traditional beliefs. The results from this study could be used to develop and implement culturally relevant cancer prevention interventions, strategies, and recommendations to overcome screening barriers in an effort to increase breast cancer participation and awareness among Nigerian women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)544-559
Number of pages16
JournalEthnicity and Health
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 4 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cultural Studies
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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