Socioecological analysis of perceptions and factors influencing breast cancer screening: A qualitative study

Breast cancer is a global public health problem, the most common disease among women. Perceptions of screening vary across regions, cultures, and socio-economic groups, influencing their health decisions and behaviors. The objective of this study was to analyze perceptions and factors influencing breast cancer screening among women, community leaders, caregivers, and health care providers in Burkina Faso in 2024.

This was an exploratory qualitative study involving different groups of participants. It involved analyzing perceptions through individual interviews and exploring factors that influence the misperception of breast cancer screening and protective factors for breast cancer screening using the Photovoice method. The principle of saturation was adopted to determine the sample size. The collection was stopped when it no longer provided new evidence. In the end, 57 participants were included in this study.

Participants were aged 21-52, with a median age of 36.5 years. The analysis showed that the perception of breast cancer screening was influenced by multiple factors such as ignorance, social stigma, high cost of medical examinations and care, lack of awareness campaigns and information, and accessibility of screening centres. Protective factors influencing breast cancer screening perception identified were the belief in the importance of early detection, screening media coverage, awareness and subsidies for examinations and treatments.

The results indicate that comprehensive health promotion strategies are necessary to improve this perception. These various initiatives can reduce the prejudices associated with breast cancer, thereby encouraging greater participation in screening.