Understanding, beliefs and perspectives of Aboriginal people in Western Australia about cancer and its impact on access to cancer services.

摘要: Despite a lower overall incidence, Aboriginal Australians experience poorer outcomes from cancer compared with the non-Aboriginal population as manifested by higher mortality and 5-year survival rates. Lower participation in screening, later diagnosis of cancer, poor continuity care, compliance treatment are known factors contributing to this outcome. Nevertheless, many deficits remain understanding underlying reasons, recommendation further exploration beliefs perceptions help understand their care-seeking behavior. This could assist planning delivery more effective interventions better services for population. research explored Western Australian (WA) peoples' perceptions, cancer. A total 37 people various geographical areas within WA direct or indirect were interviewed between March 2006 September 2007. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim coded independently two researchers. NVivo7 software was used data management analysis. social constructionist framework provided theoretical basis Interpretation occurred team member checking involvement an Reference Group assisting ensuring validity reliability. Outcomes indicated that misunderstanding, fear death, fatalism, shame, preference traditional healing, such is contagious other spiritual issues affected decisions around accessing services. These findings provide important information health providers who involved cancer-related service delivery. must be specifically addressed develop appropriate educational, screening approaches including models care support facilitate engagement Indigenous people. Models culturally-friendly, where professionals take account both about relationship these, which engage include need developed. Cultural security, removing system barriers technical/scientific excellence all ensure utilise healthcare realise benefits modern treatments.