Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of African people in the UK towards Cancer

By

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROPOSAL1

Statement of the problem and research questions1

Rationale2

Research purpose2

Significant of the study2

Overall aim and specific objectives3

Overview4

African immigrants and cancer5

Cancer in world6

Relevant existing literatures7

Knowledge, Attitude and behaviour considerations about cancer in Africans8

The Health Belief Model9

Cancer and attitude10

Cancer and behaviour11

Cancer and knowledge12

Socio-economic status and coping style13

Culture14

Methodology14

Overview of the Mixed Method Research Approach14

Research Method and Design Appropriateness15

Benefits and Disadvantages of Mixed Method15

REFERENCES17

BIBLIOGRAPHY20

PROPOSAL

Statement of the problem and research questions

There is a culturally sensitive instrument to evaluate British Africans knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer and its early detection. A measure of acculturation must be used whenever intent is made to study immigrants' health and the impact of culture on health (Bruner 2008, p.11-32).

Esteva et al (2007) has argued the significant of culture in cancer health behaviour context and explain that culture determines the way how people understand cancer, their explanation to it and their attitude towards cancer. Existing evidences suggesting that there is a knowledge gap in understanding of people's beliefs about cancer in light with their cultural value and more studies are required among ethnic minority group in the UK to reduce health care inequalities and to address unmet needs of these communities (Esteva et al 2007, p.86).

What is the knowledge among African regarding risk factors associated with cancer? What is the attitude among African regarding the susceptibility to the disease?

Does knowledge of cancer among African relate to their behaviour?

Do the attitudes variables have a relationship to compliance with cancer among African?

Rationale

Several barriers have been identified that influence British Africans choices regarding cancer. These factors include accessibility, cost, trust of healthcare providers, lack of transportation, lack of knowledge of cancer guidelines, and the underlying belief that cancer, itself, is incurable. In essence, although the factors related to cancer behaviours are multi- faceted, the overarching idea is that knowledge and awareness are crucial for cancer. This research addressed an extremely pertinent issue in examining British Africans perceptions of cancer (Esteva et al 2007, p.86).

Research purpose

The basis for conducting this research was to understand the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of British Africans toward cancer. It is indicated that British Africans perceptions and behaviours related to cancer are based on beliefs and attitudes stemming from inadequate information and knowledge. Thus, it suggests a great need for better public education about medical screening-related radiation exposure and its associated health risks.

Significant of the study

The vast majority of British Africans are usually at a lower socioeconomic status and face several barriers to preventive care, there will be an enormous burden on public health resources. Additionally, British Africans may not be aware of new 14 researches that establish earlier-than-normal detection of polyps and the recommendation to start cancer. There will be an increased need to spend more money for secondary and tertiary care for British Africans.

The need to spend more will increase as the population gets larger and the behaviours remain stable. The National Cancer Institute (2010) estimated that ...