Factors Considered to Contribute to Delayed Consultation Among Women With Cervical Cancer in Rwanda

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the factors considered to be contributing to delayed consultation among women with cervical cancer in Rwanda.

Methods: The research approach was qualitative. The study utilized an explorative case study design. The Sample size of twelve (12) women was determined by data saturation. The instrument was a semi structured interview guide which was designed to explore factors considered to contribute to delayed consultation among women with cervical cancer in Rwanda. Section A of the instrument represented the demographical data of the sample. Section B consisted of open ended questions that elicited responses on factors considered to contribute to delayed consultation among women with cervical cancer in Rwanda. The trustworthiness of qualitative data was evaluated in terms of credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. The ethical boards approved the study. Ethical principles were observed throughout the study. Participant authorization and informed consent was sought. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Major themes emerged from the participants‟ narratives as factors that contributed to their delay in seeking early diagnosis and treatment. Results: The researcher identified three groups of factors contributing to delayed consultation namely patient related, health care provider related and health care system related. Patient delay-related factors included Lack of knowledge, cultural practice, age related factors, fear of people knowing, socioeconomic factors. The revealed healthcare provider delay-related factors were lack of knowledge of the health care staff, unnecessary treatment, poor communication, disbelief, false diagnosis. Healthcare system delay-related factors were Ineffective transfer system and delayed diagnosis. These factors emerged from the participants‟ narratives as factors that contributed to their delay in seeking early diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Management of women with cervical cancer remains a challenge in most developing countries because most of them seek medical care after they have developed signs and symptoms. These findings should be taken into account during the planning, the training of health care providers, measuring quality and empowering both providers and communities while conducting studies about cervical cancer. The results generated in this research may contribute to the advancement of cancer diagnosing process in Rwanda.