BEHAVIOR IN PATIENTS SEEKING TREATMENT nasopharyngeal cancer in Yogjakarta
ABSTRACT: Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As many as 7.6 million deaths by about 13% due to cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancer is occupying the first level of the cancer in the head and neck. Based on research, as much as 60% - 95% of nasopharyngeal cancer patients come for treatment at an advanced stage. Attitudes and behavior of cancer patients in choosing health care is affected by the level of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Besides fear of the side effects of treatment, fear of surgery and treatment costs is the reason why cancer patients seek treatment too late in. Objective: To explore the behavior of nasopharyngeal cancer patients in seeking treatment in Yogyakarta. Methods: This study was a qualitative with grounded theory approach. The study was conducted at Dr. Sardjito Hospital. Subjects were all patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treated at Dr. Sardjito Hospital. Informants selected by purposive sampling. As many as 20 patients were interviewed using an interview guide. All transcribed interviews and analysis with the help open code 3.6. Results: Behavior of nasopharyngeal cancer patients in seeking treatment in Yogyakarta began when the first symptoms appear. At first the patient chooses to use medical treatment to overcome the disease. While undergoing medical treatment the patient felt the service too long and not addressed promptly so that they turn to alternative treatments. While undergoing alternative treatment of patients considered that alternative treatment is less effective even make the disease becomes more severe, so patients return choosing medical treatment.The results showed there are five factors that affect the patient in seeking treatment for a disease that is perception, perception of medical services, medical expenses, external support and assessment of the treatment process Conclusion: The study provides information on the health seeking behaviors in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in Yogyakarta and the factors that influence it. These findings may help to design health education programs to raise public awareness of nasopharyngeal cancer so that treatment is not delayed. Keywords: behavior, treatment, nasopharyngeal cancer, Yogyakarta
