Work

‘An eye-opener and helpful intervention strategy’: Experiences and perceptions of community members on the volunteer-led community strategy on lung cancer awareness and mobilisation in KwaZulu-Natal

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Community health awareness initiatives are important for promoting health, encouraging early prevention and improving health-seeking behaviour. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Aim: This study explored community members' experiences and perceptions of a volunteer-led lung cancer awareness and mobilisation strategy. Setting: The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, across Durban (Umlazi, Chatsworth, and South Durban Basin) and Pietermaritzburg (Imbali and Sobantu). Methods: A qualitative design was used involving 13 adult community members who had received lung cancer education through a volunteer-led intervention implemented by the Cancer Association of South Africa-Multinational Lung Cancer Control Programme. Focus group discussions explored participants' experiences of the intervention. Participants were selected based on availability, age (18 years and older) and prior exposure to the programme. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Results: Participants recognised the value of the volunteer-led strategy and reported positive impacts on health knowledge, health-seeking behaviour, community engagement and cultural receptivity. Suggestions for improvement included greater community involvement, stronger cultural integration and enhanced feedback mechanisms. Overall, participants viewed the initiative as an effective approach for increasing community awareness and education about lung cancer. Conclusion: Community health volunteers are increasingly recognised as important contributors to health promotion. Findings highlight the need for culturally grounded lung cancer awareness strategies and supportive health policies. Contribution: To inform policy development on community-level lung cancer awareness and mobilisation, with a focus on understanding community members' experiences of these approaches, particularly within underserved populations.

Source: Journal of Public Health in Africa

DOI: 10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1609

Authors: Sthabile W. Mtolo, Themba G. Ginindza, Siyabonga B. Dlamini

Institution: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Language: English

Topic: Community Health and Development

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $431