# Facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behavior for symptoms in patients with lung cancer in China—a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores why Chinese lung cancer patients seek medical help for symptoms and what stops them, aiming to improve early diagnosis and outcomes.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behavior in Chinese lung cancer patients using the Health Belief Model.

## Key findings

- Patients seek medical help when symptoms are sudden, severe, or disrupt daily life.
- Key barriers include low health awareness, psychological acceptance issues, and misdiagnosis.
- Facilitators include perceived threats, benefits, self-efficacy, and cues to action.

## Abstract

Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study explores facilitators and barriers influencing help-seeking behavior for symptoms among Chinese patients with lung cancer, aiming to inform strategies for earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

In-depth, face-to-face personal interviews were conducted with 14 lung cancer patients from a tertiary A-level hospital in Hubei province. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Two main themes emerged—facilitators and barriers—along with six sub-themes: perceived threats, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, perceived internal barriers, and perceived external barriers. Participants generally sought medical help when symptoms became sudden, severe, or significantly disrupted daily life. Key barriers included lack of health awareness, psychological acceptance barriers, and misdiagnosis.

Relevant authorities should gradually improve public health awareness. Communities and the government should continuously enhance patients' healthcare experiences. At the same time, communities and families should provide patients with practical and emotional support to encourage timely medical help and promote healthier lifestyles.