Factors influencing help-seeking behavior in men with symptoms of prostate cancer: a qualitative study using an ecological perspective.

This qualitative study explored factors that could potentially influence help-seeking in men with symptoms of prostate cancer in Nigeria. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 27 men, between 54 and 84 years, diagnosed with prostate cancer ≤2 years before the interview. Data were analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Several factors were identified and further captured as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional factors using an ecological perspective. These factors interact to impact negatively on the help-seeking behavior of men with symptoms of prostate cancer. These findings support the formulation of public health strategies to improve men's help-seeking behavior in Nigeria.