Investigator

Elochukwu F Ezenwankwo

University of Nigeria

About

EFEElochukwu F Ezenw…
Papers(1)
Timeliness of diagnos…
Collaborators(4)
Fiona M. WalterJennifer MoodleyPaul KuodiChukwudi Arnest Nnaji
Institutions(3)
University Of Cape To…Queen Mary University…Lira University

Papers

Timeliness of diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers and associated factors in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Objectives Addressing the barriers to early breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires a sound understanding and accurate assessment of diagnostic timeliness. This review aimed to map the current evidence on the time to breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and associated factors in LMICs. Design Scoping review. Sources MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus and CINAHL. Eligibility criteria Studies describing the time to diagnosis and associated factors in the context of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs published from 1 January 2010 to 20 May 2021. Study selection and data synthesis Two reviewers independently screened all abstracts and full texts using predefined inclusion criteria. The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Evidence was narratively synthesised using predefined themes. Results Twenty-six studies conducted across 24 LMICs were included in the review, most (24/26) of which focused on breast cancer. Studies varied considerably in their conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic time, events, intervals and delays, with a minority of the studies reporting the use of validated methods and tools. Patient-related intervals and delays were more frequently evaluated and reported than provider-related and health system-related intervals and delays. Across studies, there were variations in the estimated lengths of the appraisal, help-seeking, patient and diagnostic intervals for both cancers and the factors associated with them. Conclusions Despite the significant burden of breast and cervical cancer in LMICs, there is limited information on the timeliness of diagnosis of these cancers. Major limitations included variations in conceptualisation and assessment of diagnostic events and intervals. These underscore the need for the use of validated and standardised tools, to improve accuracy and translation of findings to better inform interventions for addressing diagnostic delays in LMICs.

25Works
1Papers
4Collaborators
Prostatic NeoplasmsCancer SurvivorsEarly Detection of CancerUterine Cervical NeoplasmsPeripheral Arterial DiseasePeripheral Vascular Diseases

Positions

Researcher

University of Nigeria

Education

2023

MSc Medicine

University of Cape Town · Faculty of Health Sciences

2022

MPH Master of Public Health

University of Hertfordshire · School of Life and Medical Sciences

2017

B.MR (PT)

University of Nigeria - Enugu Campus · Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy)

Country

NG

Keywords
Behavioral Epidemiology; Realist Methodologies; Participatory Research; Evidence-Based Co-creation