SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING POST-DIAGNOSIS CHOICE OF TREATMENT BY WOMEN SEEKING BREAST CANCER CARE AT MOI TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide, impacting 2.1 million women each year, and also causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2018, it was estimated that 627,000 women died from breast cancer – that is approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women. While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region globally. The study sought to determine socio-demographic factors influencing post-diagnosis choice treatment by women seeking breast cancer care. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 176 women seeking breast cancer care at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Convenience and purposive sampling was utilized in the selection of participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire whose pre-testing was done in Eldoret Hospital was utilized. Data management was done using SPSS and analysis was done using relevant descriptive statistics and Chi-square to test for association. The socio-demographic factors identified as significantly associated with post-diagnosis choice of treatment at α=0.05 were Occupation, level of education, and economic activity. Therefore, the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health should consider allocating funds to support breast cancer patients due to the high costs of breast cancer treatment and economic deprivation of the patients. Efforts should be put through to empower women through obtaining information, education and economic empowerment.