Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
a) Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria b) Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria
2
Medical Doctor, Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu
3
Graduated, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria
4
a) Medical Doctor, Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria b) Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria
10.22038/jmrh.2024.73573.2158
Abstract
Background & aim: Breast cancer is a public health concern and the leading cause of death among women. The study determined the factors affecting knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices among women of childbearing age in Abakaliki, Metropolis, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional design. Using a four-stage sampling technique, 401 women of reproductive age were selected in Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria between February and March 2021. The questionnaires used in the study include socio-demographic and history of breast disease form, a researcher-made questionnaire for knowledge and practices of breast cancer that completed by face-to-face method. Data were analysed by SPSS version 25, descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Minor proportion, 18.0% had good knowledge of breast cancer. Less than a quarter, 23.4% have ever practised breast self-examination, 9.5% clinical breast examination and 3.5% mammography. Less than a tenth, 8.7% had good breast cancer screening practices. Predictors of good knowledge of breast cancer included having an interest in matters related to breast cancer, AOR= 4.2, (95%CI: 2.0-9.0), having attained tertiary education, AOR=5.0, (95% CI: 2.4-9.8) and being in low socio-economic class, AOR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-8.3). Predictors of good preventive practices included being <25 years, AOR=0.2, (95% CI: 0.1-0.8), having an interest in matters related to breast cancer, AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.0-6.5) and attaining tertiary education, AOR=4.4, (95% CI: 1.0-6.5).
Conclusions: Women need to become more aware of breast cancer, especially those in younger age groups, low educational status and poor socioeconomic class for prompt detection of breast cancer.
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