Breaking Barriers in Cancer Screening: Understanding Participant Dropout in Breast and Cervical Programs in Morocco

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Faculty of Sciences, Univesity Abdelmalek Essaâdi, Tetouan, Morocco.

2 National School of Public Health, Rabat, Morocco.

3 International School of Public Health, Mohammed VI University for Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate loss to follow-up (LFU) rates within breast and cervical cancer screening programs in Kenitra-Morocco, identifying contributing factors from both patient and healthcare worker perspectives to enhance care continuity. Methods: The study was a non-experimental, mixed-methods design conducted in three-phases. We started by identifying LFU women and their characteristics from medical records, interviewing LFU women to ascertain reasons for discontinuation, and surveying healthcare workers for perceived determinants of LFU through semi-structured questionnaires. The study covered primary healthcare centers, the Reproductive Health Reference Center (RCRH) in Kenitra, and the National Institute of Oncology (NIO) in Rabat. Results: Of 1,225 women studied, 94 cancer cases were diagnosed, with LFU rates varying across care stages. Key factors associated with LFU included age (p<0.005, OR=1.67, CI[1.2-2.4]), marital status (p<0.03, OR=0.8, CI[0.65-0.98]), distance from healthcare facilities (p<0.00, OR=2, CI[1.3-4.0]), and medical coverage (p<0.03, OR=2.3, CI[1.3-4.0]). Healthcare workers cited poor communication, organizational issues, and staffing shortages as barriers to follow-up. Conclusions: The study underscores LFU’s multifaceted reasons in Kenitra’s cancer screening programs, suggesting improvements in communication after a positive screening test, re-engagement strategies, and financial accessibility. Addressing these issues is essential for reducing LFU rates, enhancing cancer care outcomes, and decreasing breast and cervical cancer mortality in Morocco.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 26, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 67-75

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 22 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 24 January 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics