Situational analysis of Breast Cancer Screening in Lahu Women at Pa Pong Sub-District, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

Breast cancer screening is a process that can help to reduce morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. This study aimed to situationally analyze breast cancer screening for Lahu women at Pa Pong Sub-district, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai, using the Donabedian Model for Evaluating the Quality of Medical Care (2003) in the aspects of structure, process, and outcome. The three sampling groups, acquired using purposive sampling method, consisted of two public health officials, six Lahu women who were village health volunteers, and 125 Lahu women aged between 30-70 years old. The instruments used were, 1) general information interview form; 2) individual interview  forms and 3) questionnaire for breast cancer screening process developed by the researcher. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorizing information.

The results showed that:

        In the aspect of structure, 1) there were enough locations to provide breast cancer screening services; 2) the screening process was standardized; 3) there were a manual and/ or guidelines for breast cancer screening; 4) there were not enough equipment for breast cancer screening; 5) there were budgets for the breast cancer screening; 6) the public health officials were capable of breast cancer screening; 7) there were organizations or authorities responsible for breast cancer screening; 8) there was a policy to conduct breast cancer screening; and 9) plans to conduct breast cancer screening.

          Regarding the aspect of process, there was a search for a breast cancer risk group, breast cancer screenings, and a comprehensive referral system for diagnosis and treatment for Lahu women.

          For the aspect of outcome-wise, breast cancer screening rate in Lahu women was less than 80 percent, but the goal was till not achieved according to the indicators of the Ministry of Public Health.

            This information can be used as a foundation in formulating and designing breast cancer screening systems that are appropriate for the context of Lahu women.