Behavioural oncology research in Africa: Lessons from the last two decades and key considerations moving forward.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the state of behavioural oncology research in Africa and outline key considerations for future research. METHODS: Five bibliographic databases were searched to identify original English-language articles published between January 2000 and August 2020. The Behavioural Epidemiology Framework was applied to studies with data/findings from Africa to delineate their current state. Research gaps/opportunities available for behavioural oncology research in Africa were further highlighted. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-seven original research with findings from Africa has been published over the last two decades, with the highest contribution arising from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa. Cervical and breast cancers were the most widely investigated. Prominently studied behaviours relate to cancer screening, health literacy, lifestyle, and vaccination. Behavioural oncology literature in Africa is generally in Phases I and III and lacks in measurement studies (<2%) and studies that seek to evaluate behaviour change/health promotion interventions (<6%) or translate them into practice (13.2%). CONCLUSION: Embracing new and progressive approaches, including methodological/analytical paradigms and implementation science is imperative to advance the frontiers of behavioural oncology research in Africa. This calls for a responsive research approach that can mobilise multidisciplinary/multilevel coalitions, ensuring a research structure that effectively integrates behavioural research and cancer prevention/control in the region.

Factors Influencing Help-Seeking Behavior in Men with Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: A Qualitative Study Using an Ecological Perspective.

This qualitative study explored factors that could potentially influence help-seeking in men with symptoms of prostate cancer in Nigeria. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 27 men, between 54 and 84 years, diagnosed with prostate cancer ≤ 2 years prior to the interview. Data were analyzed using thematic framework approach. Several factors were identified and further captured as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional/community level factors using an ecological perspective. These factors interact to impact negatively on the help-seeking behavior of men with symptoms of prostate cancer. These findings support the formulation of public health strategies to improve men's help-seeking behavior in Nigeria.