TY - JOUR
T1 - “We’re the very bottom, so it’s going to be hard for you to ‘catch any fish’ around here…” understanding vulnerable Greenlanders’ perspectives on cancer and barriers to screening in Denmark
T2 - A qualitative study
AU - Tatari, Camilla Rahr
AU - Andersen, Berit
AU - Kirkegaard, Pia
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, The Author(s).
PY - 2024/1/22
Y1 - 2024/1/22
N2 - Background: Cancer is a major global health concern. Unfortunately, Indigenous populations such as Greenlanders living in Denmark, face significant disparities in cancer risk, incidence, diagnosis, care quality, and outcomes. In Denmark, vulnerable Greenlanders face challenges accessing cancer screening. The aim of this study was to explore their perceptions of cancer, barriers to participation in cancer screening, and potential for developing a tailored intervention. Methods: This qualitative study was based on participant observations and qualitative interviews. The sample comprised 46 participants from four distinct drop-in centres. Of these, 28 were vulnerable Greenlanders (19 women and 9 men), 9 were staff members (6 women and 3 men), and 6 were relatives (4 women and 2 men). The data were analysed through inductive content analysis. Results: Vulnerable Greenlanders in Denmark believed they were responsible for their own health and were generally satisfied with the healthcare system. However, they found it challenging to manage their own health and many depended on support from others. Fear of cancer and death shaped their attitudes towards screening. Conclusion: For vulnerable Greenlanders in Denmark participation in cancer screening programmes was positively viewed for most but could be challenging. Different intervention ideas raised by the vulnerable Greenlanders, relatives and staff members could guide the development of strategies to increase participation rates.
AB - Background: Cancer is a major global health concern. Unfortunately, Indigenous populations such as Greenlanders living in Denmark, face significant disparities in cancer risk, incidence, diagnosis, care quality, and outcomes. In Denmark, vulnerable Greenlanders face challenges accessing cancer screening. The aim of this study was to explore their perceptions of cancer, barriers to participation in cancer screening, and potential for developing a tailored intervention. Methods: This qualitative study was based on participant observations and qualitative interviews. The sample comprised 46 participants from four distinct drop-in centres. Of these, 28 were vulnerable Greenlanders (19 women and 9 men), 9 were staff members (6 women and 3 men), and 6 were relatives (4 women and 2 men). The data were analysed through inductive content analysis. Results: Vulnerable Greenlanders in Denmark believed they were responsible for their own health and were generally satisfied with the healthcare system. However, they found it challenging to manage their own health and many depended on support from others. Fear of cancer and death shaped their attitudes towards screening. Conclusion: For vulnerable Greenlanders in Denmark participation in cancer screening programmes was positively viewed for most but could be challenging. Different intervention ideas raised by the vulnerable Greenlanders, relatives and staff members could guide the development of strategies to increase participation rates.
KW - Denmark
KW - Early detection of cancer
KW - Greenland
KW - Healthcare disparities
KW - Indigenous peoples
KW - Mass screening
KW - Non-participation
KW - Participation
KW - Qualitative research
KW - Vulnerable populations
U2 - 10.1186/s12939-024-02094-7
DO - 10.1186/s12939-024-02094-7
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38254148
AN - SCOPUS:85182828403
SN - 1475-9276
VL - 23
JO - International Journal for Equity in Health
JF - International Journal for Equity in Health
M1 - 11
ER -