Knowledge, Attitude and Health Belief (KAHB) on Cancer and Its Treatment: Qualitative exploration of cancer patients in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

KAHB toward cancer and its treatment determines the patients' clinical outcome. This study explored KAHB among cancer patients in Penang, Malaysia. Sixteen cancer patients were interviewed upon saturation. This study recorded the information, transcribed, translated and validated before coded and categorized into themes. The study showed that perceived knowledge of cancer and its treatment was moderate. Their attitude toward cancer and its treatment was positive; however, revealed various health belief which influences their cues to action. Most patients seek traditional treatment besides modern medicine as they felt better. This information can support health caregivers for better patient's management.

eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i16.2695