Health Seeking Behavior of Patients Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

one of the public health problems among women in developingcountries. Most women with cervical cancer are seen in the healthcare system late with advanced stage of cancer. This study aims toexplore the care seeking behavior of women with cervical cancer.METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted to explore thehealth seeking behavior of women with cervical cancer for patientswho were admitted with cervical cancer in Tikur AnbessaHospital. In-depth interviews were conducted with purposivelyselected participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim andthen translated into English and analyzed using a content analysisapproach. The study period was from October 2013 to April 2014.RESULTS: The study found that women diagnosed with cervicalcancer lack prior awareness about cervical cancer and availabilityof screening services. Moreover, decision making to seek medicalcare up on experiencing early symptoms seems to be delayed.Women reported the first symptom was unusual vaginal bleedingthat forces them to seek care. The bleeding could be profound andaccompanied by offensive odor. Fear of stigmatization could makewomen reluctant to seek timely care. Once treatment is startedmost women found it shockingly expensive.CONCLUSION: Women lack general awareness about the natureand symptoms of cervical cancer. All health services providersserving women need to sensitize women to seek timely screeningservices and timely treatment services if cervical cancer isconfirmed.KEYWORDS: Cervical Cancer, Health Seeking Behavior,Cervical Screening