Abstract:

Background: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of both cancer incidence and cancer-related deaths in Tanzania. Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer require specialized attention for months or even years. For patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, not adhering to medical recommendations can strain the provision of cancer care services by increasing demand for advanced and costly treatments. Limited understanding exists regarding how Tanzanian cervical cancer patients seek relief and the factors influencing their non-adherence to cancer care in this setting.

Objective: To explore the healthcare-seeking behaviors and identify factors influencing nonadherence among cervical cancer patients attending Bugando Oncology Clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methods: This community-based qualitative study employed a phenomenological design. It was conducted at the households of 15 families with non-adherent cervical cancer patients, after obtaining their information from the chemo radiation treatment registries of Bugando Oncology Clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with the informants, and NVivo 12 computer software was utilized to facilitate data coding, storage, and retrieval. Content analysis was conducted to uncover underlying meanings and patterns in the data, providing valuable insights into the phenomena under investigation.

Findings: The study found that many patients sought medical attention at nearby hospitals with limited proper capacity for accurate cervical cancer diagnosis. Financial constraints emerged as a major obstacle, affecting the affordability of treatments, transportation, and accommodation. Additionally, the malfunctioning radiotherapy machine posed a significant barrier to effective treatment. Limited comprehensive information on their condition, treatment options, and schedules further hindered adherence. A minority faced severe treatment-related side effects, notably anemia and diarrhea.

Conclusion: Patients seek healthcare at nearby facilities with limited capacity, while some turn to traditional remedies and self-prescribed medications, emphasizing the need for improved access to appropriate healthcare. Financial constraints, the malfunction of the single available radiotherapy machine, and limited information hinder treatment adherence. Improving funding options, resolving the radiotherapy machine's malfunction, and enhancing information dissemination are essential strategies to address non-adherence and enhance care and outcomes for cervical cancer patients in the area.

Keywords: Healthcare-seeking behaviors, non-adherence, cervical cancer, patients.