The Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Primary and Secondary Cancer Prevention Health Seeking Behaviors Among Refugees in Middle East and North Africa Host Countries

Abstract

Background: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes 'cancer health disparities' as adverse differences in cancer incidence, mortality, and burden that exist among specific population groups. Refugee populations often lack access to primary care and health screening or preventive services, leading to late diagnosis, and higher cancer burdens of cancer-related outcomes and mortality. The disproportionate burden of cancer in refugee populations, necessitates research on specific determinants and disparities influencing their cancer care. Ongoing conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have caused an unprecedented displacement of individuals to host countries. Four countries in the region, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, and Turkey, host more than an estimated 3 million refugees collectively. As the region experiences a shift in disease burden to noncommunicable diseases, the health systems of these host countries are placed under increased pressure to manage chronic conditions of refugees, such as cancer. These large-scale displacements in the MENA region present a unique opportunity to better understand the drivers of health disparities with the aim of improving cancer health in refugee populations. Aim: Through application of a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, this study aims to understand the landscape of health seeking behaviors for cancer prevention among refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, and Turkey. This is a first step to inform future research and initiatives around refugee cancer services. Methods: A systematic literature review was completed according to PRISMA standards, with assistance from the NIH Library. A review protocol was developed, and all literature that met eligibility criteria was included. Thematic coding and analysis was then performed to describe observational associations between cancer prevention behaviors and SDOH among refugees. Results: The results reveal patterns in which SDOH directly and indirectly influence the landscape of refugee health seeking behaviors for cancer prevention services in their host countries. The SDOH that most clearly influenced cancer prevention behaviors include health system capacity, navigating host country's health system, delivery of cancer prevention services, acculturation, competing social, health, and financial priorities, and the built environment. These interrelated constructs impact refugees' ability to access and participate in cancer prevention services, as both enabling and inhibit factors. Conclusion: The influence of SDOH on seeking cancer care are important for refugee populations around the world since they are faced with comparable contextual factors that both enable and inhibit health seeking behaviors. Understanding the interplay between the SDOH constructs is pivotal toward developing targeted interventions by host countries to improve cancer prevention behaviors and health outcomes among refugees.