Understanding Jordanian Women’s Values and Beliefs Related to Breast Cancer: A Focused Ethnography

Purpose: To understand Jordanian women’s beliefs and values related to breast health and how these beliefs influence their decisions to receive breast cancer screening. Design: A focused ethnography method was used; 31 key informants were recruited from Ma’an city located in the southern part of Jordan. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Data Analysis: Leininger’s four phases of qualitative data analysis. Findings: Three major themes were identified: (a) Feeling of embarrassment, fear, denial, and lack of knowledge are common experience among women regarding breast cancer screening; (b) Hesitancy on the part of health care professionals to offer education about breast health and screening; and (c) Willingness to learn about breast health and cancer screening. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that nurses be trained about breast assessment and additional resources mobilized for mammography and health promotion programs targeting rural Jordan