An Investigation Of The Level Of Childhood Cancer Awareness In Kenya: A Case Of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
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Date
2017-09
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School of communication, Daystar University
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the level of childhood cancer awareness in Kenya. The specific objective of the study was to assess the level of childhood cancer awareness amongst guardians/parents of young children in Kenya from the age of 4-11 years. The study was anchored on the convergence theory and the theory of planned behavior. The study adopted a descriptive research methodology, as it sought to assess respondents’ level of information, opinions and perceptions on childhood cancer information. It targeted a population of 800 parents/guardians of children aged 4-11 years in Nairobi, who sought medical attention at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in August 2017. Interviews were also done with health editors working in leading print and electronic media houses, as well as bloggers. A focus group discussion with parents/guardians of children who attended church at Nairobi`s Newlife SDA was also conducted. Data was also collected through self-administered questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 21, while qualitative data was analyzed using the constant comparative technique. The findings from this study showed that the levels of awareness on childhood cancer among guardians / parents in Kenya was low. While media houses said they could create awareness if backed by campaigns, it was established that online media and healthcare workers were the most preferred sources of health information. The findings are crucial to policymakers in long-term formulation and implementation of strategy for increasing awareness on childhood cancer early warning signs and the importance of seeking medical attention early. The insights gained in this study could become the first steps in the creation of a mass media awareness program aimed at reducing risk-factor prevalence and raise awareness on prevention, early detection and treatment of childhood cancer as well as the importance of seeking medical attention early.
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Thesis
Keywords
Childhood Cancer Awareness, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
Citation
Areba, Tabitha Nyanchoka (2017) An Investigation Of The Level Of Childhood Cancer Awareness In Kenya: A Case Of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. School of communication, Daystar University: Thesis