Dataset Information

Anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to early presentation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several factors contribute to delayed presentation with ovarian cancer (OC) symptoms including poor symptom awareness and barriers to seeking help. This study explored the anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible OC symptoms and its association with OC symptom awareness. In addition, it examined perceived barriers that may delay help-seeking among Palestinian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women (≥ 18 years) recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 Palestinian governorates. A modified version of the OC awareness measure was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic details, awareness of 11 OC symptoms and time to seek medical advice, and barriers to early presentation.

Results

Of 6095 participants approached, 5618 completed the OCAM (response rate = 92.1%). The proportion of participants who would immediately seek medical advice for a possible OC symptom varied based on the symptom's nature. For OC symptoms with pain, the proportion that reported immediate seeking of medical advice ranged from 7.9% for 'persistent low back pain' to 13.6% for 'persistent pain in the pelvis'. For non-specific potential OC symptoms, the proportion that reported immediate seeking of medical advice ranged from 2.3% for 'feeling full persistently' to 15.8% for 'increased abdominal size on most days'. Good OC symptom awareness was associated with higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week from recognizing 10 out of 11 OC symptoms. Emotional barriers were the most common barriers with 'feeling scared' as the most reported barrier (n = 1512, 52.4%). Displaying good OC symptom awareness was associated with a lower likelihood of reporting ≥ 4 emotional barriers (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38-0.98).

Conclusion

Participants with good OC symptom awareness were more likely to seek medical advice earlier and to display fewer emotional barriers. Establishing educational interventions to raise OC awareness may help in promoting earlier help-seeking and, thus, facilitate earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis.

SUBMITTER: Elshami M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10571332 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to early presentation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

Elshami Mohamedraed M Al-Madhoun Sondos S Alser Mohammed M Al-Slaibi Ibrahim I Yaseen Areej A Tuffaha Aya A Jabr Hadeel H Ubaiat Sara S Khader Salma S Khraishi Reem R Jaber Inas I Arafeh Zeina Abu ZA Alqattaa Aya A Hadi Asmaa Abd El AAE Barhoush Ola O Hijazy Maysun M Eleyan Tamara T Alser Amany A Hziema Amal Abu AA Shatat Amany A Almakhtoob Falasteen F Mohamad Balqees B Farhat Walaa W Abuamra Yasmeen Y Mousa Hanaa H Adawi Reem R Musallam Alaa A Albarqi Shurouq I SI Abu-El-Noor Nasser N Bottcher Bettina B

BMC cancer 20231013 1

<h4>Background</h4>Several factors contribute to delayed presentation with ovarian cancer (OC) symptoms including poor symptom awareness and barriers to seeking help. This study explored the anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible OC symptoms and its association with OC symptom awareness. In addition, it examined perceived barriers that may delay help-seeking among Palestinian women.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women (≥ 18 years) recruited from h ...[more]

PMID: 37833659

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Dataset Information

Anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to early presentation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to early presentation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study.

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