Abstract
Purpose of the research
The aim of the study was to explore women’s Help Seeking Behaviour (HSB) for a self
discovered breast symptom, in order to gain understanding of women’s experience of
finding a breast symptom and how this influenced their HSB. In addition, the study
sought to confirm the appropriateness of the “Help Seeking Behaviour & Influencing
Factors” framework, for use in phase two of the study.
Methods and sample
A qualitative descriptive method was used involving semi-structured interviews with
ten women, ranging in age from 25 to 55 years, who had discovered a breast symptom.
Key Results
Women’s HSB ranged from up to one month (n = 6), one to three months (n = 2) and over three months (n = 2), following symptom discovery. The key variables linked to delayed help seeking
were denial, fear, social factors and knowledge and beliefs. The study verified that
the variables within the “Help Seeking Behaviour and Influencing Factors” framework
act as both facilitators and barriers to women’s HSB. Thus, confirming the appropriateness
of this framework for a larger quantitative study of women’s help seeking behaviour.
Conclusions
The study highlights that despite continued emphasis on early help seeking for breast
cancer symptoms, delay is still prevalent amongst women. This reiterates the need
for continued emphasis on the message of early detection for breast cancer symptoms.
To this end, nurses have a significant role to play in educating women in both clinical
and community settings, about breast cancer and early detection practices.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 22, 2010
Identification
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© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
