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Breast cancer is a titanic health problem. It was once prevalent mainly in Developed countries. However, new cases are rapidly being diagnosed in the Developing world. In South Africa, it is the most common type of cancer amongst women. Further, Black women have a lower chance of surviving breast cancer than their White counterparts. This is partially due to economic and communication constraints. Consequently, in this article I explore the breast cancer communication strategy of a prominent hospital in Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN), South Africa. I conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with Black, Zulu women at this institution. My findings demonstrate that the hospital practices a banking style of communication, which encumbers the patients' capacity to acquire breast cancer information. Thus, I propose a participatory communication approach. This will equip the patients with vital knowledge which can be disseminated to their communities. Gradually, the threat of breast cancer can be conveyed throughout KZN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the US, medical training is inadequate regarding the symptomatology, prognosis, and treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). As a result, many physicians lack the appropriate level of knowledge about effective methods for ME and CFS symptom reduction and often suggest inappropriate treatments, such as increased exercise or psychiatric services. The authors' purpose in this study was to analyze negative patient experiences with health care professionals. Patients with ME and CFS who reported experiencing a dismissive physician attitude were asked to detail the encounter via open-ended response on an international, online survey. Participant responses were thematically coded and analyzed using processes outlined by Patton. Emergent themes related to perceived physician attitudes and how they impact patient wellbeing are described and their implications discussed. Additionally, we highlight suggestions for how the health care system can effectively approach this often marginalized patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored how low-risk, nulliparous pregnant women and their doctors in two contiguous U.S.–Mexico border communities communicate about methods of delivery and how they perceive that the delivery method decision is made. We recruited 18 women through obstetricians in El Paso, Texas (n= 10), and prenatal care providers in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico (n= 8). We observed prenatal care visits, interviewed women prenatally and postpartum, and interviewed the El Paso obstetricians. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that birthing decisions are complex and involve multiple influences, including women's level of knowledge about birth, doctor–patient communication, and women's participation in decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiences of lesbian women in medical encounters prove particularly relevant for understanding their difficulties in their relationship with professionals and health services. We carried out semistructured interviews with 30 women aged 21 to 63 years, who define themselves as lesbian. The analysis highlights the difficulties experienced in disclosure of sexuality in medical encounters, the tendency for doctors to come across as heteronormative, and also medical practices experienced as appropriate by interviewees. Analysis of participant experiences demonstrates the need for reflection and decision making to promote the recognition of the sexual citizenship of lesbian women and their empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Through this qualitative study we explored the patient/provider relationships of rural HIV-infected women. Thirty-nine women from rural Alabama were recruited to participate in one of four focus groups. The focus groups were audiorecorded, and the participants were asked to complete surveys measuring patient/provider trust. The verbatim-transcribed audio recordings were analyzed using content analysis. The participants’ descriptions of their relationships with health care providers were represented by three major thematic categories: caring, informative, and competent. These findings provide a foundation for further research on the role of patient/provider relationships in the health outcomes of HIV disease in rural, resource-poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]