[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/
Next Article in Journal
Women’s Perspectives on Black Infant Mortality in the United States
Previous Article in Journal
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Among Immigrant Women in Canada: A Narrative Review
You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Women
Volume 4
Issue 4
10.3390/women4040037
women-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Setting in Women Aged 18–45 Years

by
Jennifer Adaeze Chukwu
1,*,
Chinedu O. Egwu
2,*,
Chidinma Chukwu
3,
Anthony O. Agwu
4,
Emmanuel Ooju Oluwafemi
5,
Solomon Kingsley Nwadum
6,
Inigbehe Babatunde Oyinloye
7,
Nwigbo Ogechukwu Anoke-Ani
8,
Francis P. Akpabio
9 and
Ifeanyi Enyanwuma
10
1
UN City, Marmorvej 51, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
2
Medical Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, P.M.B. 1010, Ikwo 482131, Nigeria
3
Alexandra Nursing Home, 370 Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4AA, UK
4
Department of Public Health, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
5
World Health Organization, Northeast, D25 Dalori Street, New GRA, Maiduguri 600233, Nigeria
6
Pharmacology & Therapeutics Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Abakaliki 480282, Nigeria
7
World Health Organization, United Nations House Plot 617/618 Central Area District, PMB 2861, Abuja 900211, Nigeria
8
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), Temple Street, 92 Crumlin Road, Saint James, D01XD99 Dublin, Ireland
9
Garki Hospital, Tafawa Balewa Way, Area 8, Garki, Abuja 900103, Nigeria
10
Surgery Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki 480282, Nigeria
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Women 2024, 4(4), 503-513; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040037
Submission received: 10 October 2024 / Revised: 18 November 2024 / Accepted: 24 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024
Browse Figure
Figure 1
<p>Pie chart showing the age distribution of participants.</p> ">
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Breast cancer incidence is on the rise regardless of several interventions available for its management. This scenario may be worse in resource-limited countries. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of women towards Breast Cancer Screening (BCS) in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano State, a typically resource-limited state in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study. The study population comprised female individuals aged 18–45 years attending the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of AKTH. An adopted questionnaire instrument was used to extract vital information on the knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer screening in the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of AKTH. Our findings showed that there is much awareness about BCS, even though most participants’ knowledge about the methods and timing of the scan is low. Much enlightenment is achieved through the availability of print and electronic media on BCS. A better attitude is shown when trained personnel conduct BCS. A good number of participants who have knowledge are yet to translate their knowledge and attitudes into practice. Based on our findings, coordinated and timely awareness campaigns should be organized by local health authorities to improve knowledge and attitude towards BCS.

1. Introduction

In the past few decades, significant changes have occurred in the pattern of health and disease in many developing countries. These changes have resulted from the effects of social, economic, and technological development, as well as from specific public health and population programs. This has resulted in an increasing prevalence of injuries and non-communicable diseases, of which cancer is one [1].
Cancer is an abnormal/malignant growth originating in any of the epithelial tissues of the body and is characterized by invasion and rapid spread to other parts of the body. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. Cancer can be defined as any malignant tumour, including carcinoma and sarcoma, arising from abnormal and uncountable division of cells that invade and destroy the surrounding tissues [2]. Cancer affects different tissues and organs in the body, such as the breast, liver, brain, lungs, stomach, skin, bladder, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, cervix, etc. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer globally. A report shows that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease in the year 2020, accounting for 685,000 deaths in the same year [3]. Breast cancer, in addition to liver, stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer, has been described as one of the leading causes of death attributed to cancer worldwide [4]. It can be defined as a malignant growth starting from tissues of the breast that undergoes profound growth deregulation leading to the proliferation of abnormal cells that are capable of invading and destroying adjacent cells and spreading to distant sites, resulting in untimely death [5].
Global statistics show that the annual incidence of breast cancer (BC) is increasing, and this is occurring more rapidly in countries with low incidence rates of breast cancer [6,7]. BC is the most common cause of cancer-associated death in women worldwide [8]. In Nigeria, the prevalence of cancer has increased remarkably in the last 10–20 years and currently stands at 54.3 per 100,000 women [9,10]. The increase in prevalence in resource-limited countries like Nigeria calls for more awareness creation to drive home the control measures as practiced in developed countries of the world, where knowledge and awareness are higher [11]. Early detection of breast cancer plays a leading role in reducing mortality rate and improving the patient’s prognosis [12]. The recommended screening methods for early detection of this fatal disease are mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination.
Some data suggest that factors related to women’s knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and its management may contribute significantly to medical help-seeking behaviours [13,14]. However, some of these studies are not localized, underscoring the need for local studies in Northern Nigeria to understand the knowledge and attitudes of women towards breast cancer screening. This study aimed to determine women’s level of awareness and attitude, and to enlighten the populace on breast cancer screening in Antenatal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Postnatal clinics at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

2. Results and Discussion

A 95% respondent rate was obtained. Out of the 220 printed questionnaires, only 200 questionnaire data were used for this study.

2.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Study Participants

The socio-demographic data show that the majority of the respondents were between the ages of 24–30 making up 40%, followed by those aged 31–36 years, 18–23 years (20%), 37–41 years comprising 12%, and 42 years making up 5% of the respondents, respectively (Figure 1). Hence, about 95% of the respondents were women within the range of 18–41 years, suggesting that the majority are within their reproductive age. This is in line with previous reports, which documented that younger women show more positive attitudes towards health education about breast cancer and early detection [15,16], as the benefits are maximal in the young [17].
Table 1 shows that 63.0% of the respondents were married, compared to 21.5% who were single; this is expected, as the target population were women attending the obstetrics and gynaecology clinic. The higher number of married women compared to the singles is particularly informative, as most women attending ANC and postnatal clinics are often married in Northern Nigeria, where single-parenting is poorly accepted in this region [18]. It also showed that the respondents were predominantly Muslims, making up 95% compared to Christians, who made up 5%. People’s religious beliefs could affect their perception of social and health issues. Religion has been recognised as one of the factors that could influence attitudes towards breast cancer screening [19,20].
In this study, with regard to occupation, the housewives were the highest in percentage (55%), followed by civil servants (20%), and students (17%) (Table 2). One’s occupation may determine the kind of information they may be exposed to. In Northern Nigeria, the majority of the women are housewives, as reported by The Punch newspaper [21].
Concerning education, 20% of the respondents had tertiary education, 19.0% had secondary education, 19.5% had primary education, and 41.0% had no formal education. This study suggests that a good number of them may not be enlightened. Studies have shown that people with higher education tend to have better knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer prevention [22,23].

2.2. Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening

Table 3 below shows that the majority of the participants (50%, n = 100) disagree that women are aware of breast cancer screening (BCS), followed by those who strongly agree with the awareness of BCS (25%, n = 50), while 15 (7.5%) strongly disagree. A 4-point Likert analysis of the sentiments revealed that the average sentiment level was 2.53, which depicted an agreement by the participants to the awareness of BCS. Similar works by Goerge et al. and Idowu et al. showed that there is high awareness of breast cancer; however, the knowledge and practices of BCS are low [24,25]. A systematic review by Olayide showed that the awareness of the BCS does not affect the rate of performance of the screening program [26].
For the knowledge of BCS methods, even though the majority by percentage (30.0%, n = 60) disagree that women know about the BCS methods, a Likert analysis showed that the average sentiment was 2.64, an indication that the participants agree that they know the methods of BCS. This is unlike the reports from Idowu et al. and Goerge et al., who showed that the knowledge of BCS is still low [24,25].
Concerning the timing to perform BCS, the majority of the participants (50%, n = 100) disagree with knowing the timing. This was supported by the Likert analysis, which showed that the average sentiment was 2.4. This finding is in tandem with previous reports that showed that the knowledge and practices of BCS are still low [24,25].
The high awareness which is not matched by high knowledge and practices of BCS calls for increased community-based enlightenment campaign that can increase the overall outcome.

2.3. Enlightenment of Breast Cancer Screening

About 90 (45%) strongly agree that they listen to health talks on breast cancer in electronic media, while 20 (10%) strongly disagree, as shown in Table 4 below. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (3.16) indicates that the participants listen to health talks on breast cancer in electronic media. Ahmad and Isyaku opine that electronic media are used to promote health awareness [27]. In the same vein, Shakeel et al. reported that electronic media can be productive resources to augment awareness among patients [28].
About 50 (25%) of the participants strongly agree that the health personnel or healthcare workers (HCWs) are responsible for informing people about BCS, while 24 (12%) strongly disagree. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (2.88) shows that the health personnel informed the people about BCS. Awareness creation is often done by healthcare workers, which is corroborated by our findings that HCWs inform people about BCS [29]. The creation of awareness can be done via several means, including electronic and print media [28]. The HCWs who understand the importance of self-examination, risk factors, symptoms, and screening tests for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer [29] are in the best position to educate people about BCS.
Exactly 78 (39%) of the respondents agree that print and electronic media are the best medium for enlightening people on breast cancer, while 40 (20%) of the participants disagree with this point. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (2.51) indicates that print and electronic are the best media for breast cancer enlightenment. Our findings are in tandem with those of Shakeel et al., who opined that electronic media can be effective in health promotion but cautioned against its use to avoid abuse [28]. The above finding could likely be the reason for an increase in knowledge of awareness in BCS among participants, as reported in a study conducted in Lagos, Nigeria [30].
This finding agrees with Son, who stated that information plays a vital role in influencing the decision of women toward breast cancer screening [31]. This is because well-informed women would make better decisions for their health and well-being [32]. It is pertinent to note, as confirmed by the American Cancer Society, that early detection of breast cancer can save the life of the patient, implying that the disease is curable. It is ascertained that a patient’s chances of surviving breast cancer are higher only with early diagnosis, and therefore, it need not be fatal [33].

2.4. Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer Screening

Table 5 shows that about 65 (32.5%) of the participants agree with the fact that women disengage from breast cancer screening in health facilities, while about 57 (28.5%) disagree. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (2.46) indicates they do not disengage from BCS in health facilities. A judicious follow-up of health programs is critical to the overall outcome of such programs [34]. For women to reap the benefits of BCS, it becomes imperative to be committed to the activities at every stage of the BCS. Todd et al. highlighted that women drop out of breast screening because of inadequate transportation to and from health facilities, inaccessible breast centres, and an inadequate number of mammogram machines [35]. Ojiakor et al. also opined that lack of finances limits attendance to clinics for cancer screening [36].
111 (55%) participants strongly disagree that they are discouraged from engaging in BCS, especially when less trained personnel are conducting this screening, and 3 (1.5%) agree. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (1.51) indicates women are discouraged from engaging in BCS when less trained personnel are conducting BCS. According to Pruitt et al., some healthcare workers have low awareness and knowledge about BCS, which affects the confidence of women attending clinics [37]. Alenezi et al. therefore recommended the development of target-oriented educational programs for healthcare workers, which would empower them to educate the community better [38].
Exactly 80 (40%) agree that the possibility of a cure for breast cancer is possible, especially if it is detected early, while 22 (11%) disagree. A 4-point Likert analysis shows that the sentiment level of the participants (2.79) indicates that the participants believe that breast cancer cure is possible if it is detected early. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer in the localised stage can lead to a 5-year relative survival rate of 99% [39]. One potentially important strategy in reducing breast cancer mortality is the use of serial screening via mammography to achieve earlier detection [40,41]. Regardless of the benefits of early breast cancer detection, findings show that many still have a negative attitude towards breast cancer screening and the risk factors associated with it [42,43]. Early diagnosis usually results in treatment before metastasis and signifies a better outcome of management [44,45]. The family and traditional beliefs of a people affect their preferences and acceptance of interventions. It is therefore pertinent to capture this in the application of screening in resource-limited countries, where there is a huge cultural undertone [46].
The data collection in this work was rigorous, where the instrument used for data collection was subjected to retesting and validation to increase the authenticity of the findings. The study was conducted in a state, Kano, a region with multidimensional poverty, to truly ascertain the level of screening for BC in a resource-limited locality. More so, the study was conducted only in a limited age group, 18–45 years. Some women who have breast cancer may fall outside the age bracket studied. However, the study only covered one hospital, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, located in Kano, a state in Northern Nigeria. Even though Northern Nigeria is more resource-limited than Southern Nigeria, performing the study only in Northern Nigeria limits the validity of the inference. Further studies should be performed to capture more hospitals and states in Nigeria.

3. Materials and Methods

This section presents the methods that were used in carrying out the study. Samples were taken, and data were subjected to appropriate analysis.

3.1. Research Design and Study Population

This a cross-sectional study. The study population comprised female individuals aged 18–45 years attending the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

3.2. Sample Size

The Fisher formula was employed [47] to calculate the sample size as follows:
n = Z 1 − α / 2 2 p 1 − p d 2
where
n = Desired minimal sample size (for populations < 1000).
The prevalence of breast cancer in Nigeria is 23.5% [48], therefore,
p = 0.2.
z = Standard normal deviation, which is equal to 1.96 at a 95% confidence level.
So, z2 = 3.8416.
q = 1 − p = 0.8.
D = Desired effect = 0.8.
d = Degree of accuracy (the level of statistical significance set), which in this case is 0.05.
d2 = (0.05) 2 = 0.0025.
Thus,
n = 1.962 × 0.2 × 0.8 × 0.8/0.0025 = 196.7.
It was rounded up to 200; therefore, a sample size of 200 female patients on admission or outpatients attending the Antenatal clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was recruited to participate in the study. Adult individuals who consented to participate and were proficient in the local language (Hausa) and English were included, while individuals diagnosed with any other malignancies apart from breast cancer and those with breast cancer who have verbal, visual, or auditory problems were excluded.

3.3. Sampling Technique

A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the participants from the study population.
An adopted questionnaire instrument was used to extract vital information on the knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer screening in the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. Section A contained the personal data of the respondents. Section B contained awareness of breast cancer screening. Section C contained the attitude of women towards breast cancer screening and section D contained the ways to enlighten the populace about breast cancer screening.

3.4. Data Collection Instrument

The instrument used to extract vital information on the knowledge and attitudes of women towards breast cancer screening in the Antenatal and Postnatal clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) was an adopted questionnaire. The questionnaire was created and administered in person at the antenatal and postnatal clinics of AKTH. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. Section A contained the personal data of the respondents. Section B contained awareness of breast cancer screening. Section C contained the attitude of women towards breast cancer screening and section D contained the ways to enlighten the populace about breast cancer screening.
Written consent was obtained from patients after they were informed of the nature of the study. They were recruited using purposive sampling technique and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Time was taken to explain the nature and importance of carrying out the study, as well as the procedures and how they are to be carried out on the participants. A Hausa interpreter was present to interpret the contents of the questionnaire. The procedure was carried out as follows:
For each participant, the socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status) were obtained from the participants.

3.4.1. Validation of the Instrument

The questionnaire was given to the supervisor and two other jurors in the Department of Surgery for face and content validation. Necessary corrections and observations were made and effected.

3.4.2. Reliability of the Instrument

This is the consistency of the instrument, which was applied to 10 respondents, with a retest carried out on the same respondents after seven days. The result was then given to the statistician for expert analysis. A coefficient-correlated reliability outcome of 0.5 was determined, since no attributable error was expected.

3.5. Data Analysis

The socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were summarized using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages, and the sentiment level was analysed using the Likert model. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software.

3.6. Ethical Approval

Ethical approval was sought and obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano (REF-AKTH/MAC/SUB/12A/P-3/VI/2024). The consent of the participants was sought and obtained through written informed consent.

4. Conclusions

Based on our results, there is significant awareness about BCS, even though most participants’ knowledge about the methods and timing of the scan is limited. More enlightenment is achieved through the availability of print and electronic media on BCS. A better attitude is shown when trained personnel conduct BCS, while it doesn’t differ when participants either disengage or engage in screening in health facilities, nor in the possibility of a cure for breast cancer following early detection. A good number of participants who have knowledge are yet to translate knowledge and attitudes into practice.
We therefore recommend that coordinated awareness campaigns be organized by local health authorities and healthcare providers, and that these campaigns be carried out for the public as often as possible. Additionally, the government and policymakers should play a role in subsidizing the cost of mammography, equipping the health facilities with more scanning equipment, and training more personnel to partake in BCS in resource-limited countries.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.A.C., C.O.E. and I.B.O.; Formal analysis, N.O.A.-A.; Investigation, J.A.C., C.C., A.O.A., I.B.O. and F.P.A.; Methodology, A.O.A. and S.K.N.; Resources, C.C. and I.B.O.; Software, C.C. and E.O.O.; Validation, J.A.C.; Writing—original draft, J.A.C., C.O.E., I.E., S.K.N., I.B.O., N.O.A.-A. and F.P.A.; Writing—review & editing, C.O.E., I.E., A.O.A., E.O.O., S.K.N., N.O.A.-A. and F.P.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of Aminu Kanu Teaching Hospital Kano (AKTH/MAC/SUB/12A/P-3/VI/2024- 20 Mar 2017).

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, [C.O.E./J.C.].

Acknowledgments

We would want to thank the management and staff of Aminu Lano Teaching Hospital Kano for their cooperation during the study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Freund, A.; Chauveau, C.; Brouillet, J.P.; Lucas, A.; Lacroix, M.; Licznar, A.; Vignon, F.; Lazennec, G. IL-8 Expression and Its Possible Relationship with Estrogen-Receptor-Negative Status of Breast Cancer Cells. Oncogene 2003, 22, 256. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Baker, L. Concise Medical Dictionary (6th Edition). Ref. Rev. 2003, 17, 32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  3. WHO. WHO Launches New Roadmap on Breast Cancer. Available online: https://www.who.int/news/item/03-02-2023-who-launches-new-roadmap-on-breast-cancer (accessed on 25 September 2024).
  4. Azubuike, S.O.; Onuoha Celestina, U. Breast Cancer: The Perspective of Northern Nigerian Women. Int. J. Prev. Med. 2015, 6, 172803. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  5. Jones, P.A. Epigenetics in Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2003, 983, 213–219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Wilson, C.M.; Tobin, S.; Young, R.C. The Exploding Worldwide Cancer Burden: The Impact of Cancer on Women. Int. J. Gynecol. Cancer 2004, 14, 1–11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Aziz, N.I.S.A.; Ali, M.H.; Jamil, A.T.; Aziz, Y.A. Breast Cancer Management Research Trends: A Bibliometric Analysis. Inf. Manag. Bus. Rev. 2023, 15, 215–225. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Bray, F.; Ferlay, J.; Soerjomataram, I.; Siegel, R.L.; Torre, L.A.; Jemal, A. Global Cancer Statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA. Cancer J. Clin. 2018, 68, 394–424. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Jedy-Agba, E.; Curado, M.P.; Ogunbiyi, O.; Oga, E.; Fabowale, T.; Igbinoba, F.; Osubor, G.; Otu, T.; Kumai, H.; Koechlin, A.; et al. Cancer Incidence in Nigeria: A Report from Population-Based Cancer Registries. Cancer Epidemiol. 2012, 36, 271–278. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Adebamowo, C.A.; Adekunle, O.O. Case-Controlled Study of the Epidemiological Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Nigeria. Br. J. Surg. 1999, 86, 665–668. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Eniu, A.; Dumitraşcu, D.; Geanta, M. Romania, Attempting to Catch up the European Standards of Care for Cancer Patients. In Cancer Care in Countries and Societies in Transition; Silbermann, M., Ed.; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2016; pp. 361–374. ISBN 978-3-319-22912-6. [Google Scholar]
  12. Ginsburg, O.; Yip, C.H.; Brooks, A.; Cabanes, A.; Caleffi, M.; Yataco, J.A.D.; Gyawali, B.; McCormack, V.; de Anderson, M.M.L.; Mehrotra, R.; et al. Breast Cancer Early Detection: A Phased Approach to Implementation. Cancer 2020, 126, 2379. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Odusanya, O.O.; Tayo, O.O. Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice among Nurses in Lagos, Nigeria. Acta Oncol. 2001, 40, 844–848. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Ahmed Mohamed, A.O.; Musa Nori, M.M.; Mohamed Ahmed, A.S.; Abdalrheem Altamih, R.A.; Mohamed Kunna, E.S. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Female Detainees in Khartoum, Sudan 2018. J. Prev. Med. Hyg. 2020, 61, E470. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Nagai, M. Relationships among Lifestyle Awareness, Age, and Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Healthy Japanese Community Residents. Asian/Pacific Isl. Nurs. J. 2020, 5, 103. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Milaat, W.A. Knowledge of Secondary-School Female Students on Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. East. Mediterr. Health J. 2000, 6, 338–344. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Bastardis-Zakas, K.; Iatrakis, G.; Navrozoglou, I.; Peitsidis, P.; Salakos, N.; Malakassis, P.; Zervoudis, S. Maximizing the Benefits of Screening Mammography for Women 40-49 Years Old. Clin. Exp. Obs. Gynecol 2010, 37, 278–282. [Google Scholar]
  18. Anyebe, E.; Lawal, H.; Dodo, R.; Adeniyi, B. Community Perception of Single Parenting in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. J. Nurs. Care 2017, 06. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Mirabi, S.; Chaurasia, A.; Oremus, M. The Association between Religiosity, Spirituality, and Breast Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. Prev. Med. Rep. 2022, 26, 101726. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Kretzler, B.; König, H.H.; Brandt, L.; Weiss, H.R.; Hajek, A. Religious Denomination, Religiosity, Religious Attendance, and Cancer Prevention. A Systematic Review. Risk Manag. Healthc. Policy 2022, 15, 45–58. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Punch. Plight of Northern Nigerian Females–Punch Newspapers. Available online: https://punchng.com/plight-of-northern-nigerian-females/ (accessed on 7 May 2024).
  22. Effiong, M.E.; Afolabi, I.S.; Chinedu, S.N. Influence of Age and Education on Breast Cancer Awareness and Knowledge among Women in South Western Nigeria. Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2023, 27, 87–107. [Google Scholar]
  23. Sani, A.M.; Naab, F.; Aziato, L. Influence of Educational Level on Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-examination Among Women in Sokoto, Nigeria. J. Basic Clin. Reprod. Sci. 2016, 5, 100–106. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Idowu, A. Breast Cancer Awareness, Knowledge and Screening Practice among Women Resident in an Urban Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. J. Cancer Policy 2019, 20, 100179. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. George, T.O.; Abiola Allo, T.; Amoo, E.O.; Olonade, O. Knowledge and Attitudes about Breast Cancer among Women: A Wake-Up Call in Nigeria. Open Access Maced. J. Med. Sci. 2019, 7, 1700. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  26. Olayide, A.S.; Halimat, A.J.; Samuel, O.A.; Ganiyu, R.A.; Soliu, O.A. Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Breast Cancer in Nigeria. A Systematic Review. Ethiop. J. Health Sci. 2017, 27, 163. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Ahmad, A.; Isyaku, S.L. Promulgation of Community Health Programme on Radio in Nigeria: A Survey. Glob. Media J. 2023, 21, 370. [Google Scholar]
  28. Shakeel, S.; Nesar, S.; Rahim, N.; Iffat, W.; Ahmed, H.F.; Rizvi, M.; Jamshed, S. Utilization and Impact of Electronic and Print Media on the Patients’ Health Status: Physicians’ Perspectives. J. Pharm. Bioallied Sci. 2017, 9, 266. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Rehman, H.T.; Jawaid, H.; Tahir, A.; Imtiaz, M.; Zulfiqar, T.; Aziz, T. Breast Cancer Knowledge among Health Professionals: A Pre–Post-Knowledge-Based Intervention Study. J. Fam. Med. Prim. Care 2022, 11, 5649. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Montazeri, A.; Vahdaninia, M.; Harirchi, I.; Harirchi, A.; Sajadian, A.; Khaleghi, F.; Ebrahimi, M.; Haghighat, S.; Jarvandi, S. Breast Cancer in Iran: Need for Greater Women Awareness of Warning Signs and Effective Screening Methods. Asia Pac. Fam. Med. 2008, 7, 6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Son, N.T.; Hsu, H.T.; Huong, P.T.T.; Trung, T.Q. Information Needs of Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Treatment in Vietnam and Related Determinants. J. Nurs. Res. 2023, 31, E265. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis | How To Detect Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society. Available online: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html (accessed on 3 May 2024).
  33. Olayide, A.; Isiaka, A.; Ganiyu, R.; Samuel, O.; Halimat, A.; Olalekan, O.; Julius, O.; Anya, R. Breast Cancer Treatment and Outcomes in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Pacific J. Cancer Care 2023, 8, 591–598. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Schofield-Robinson, O.J.; Lewis, S.R.; Smith, A.F.; Mcpeake, J.; Alderson, P. Follow-up Services for Improving Long-term Outcomes in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Survivors. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2018, 2018. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Todd, A.; Stuifbergen, A. Barriers and Facilitators Related to Breast Cancer Screening: A Qualitative Study of Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Int. J. MS Care 2011, 13, 49. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  36. Orjiako, T.C. Determinants of Early Cancer Screening Behavior in Nigeria. J. Glob. Oncol 2018, 4, 33s. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Pruitt, L.C.C.; Odedina, S.; Anetor, I.; Mumuni, T.; Oduntan, H.; Ademola, A.; Morhason-Bello, I.O.; Ogundiran, T.O.; Obajimi, M.; Ojengbede, O.A.; et al. Breast Cancer Knowledge Assessment of Health Workers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. J. Glob. Oncol. 2020, 6, 387–394. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  38. Alenezi, A.M.; Thirunavukkarasu, A.; Wani, F.A.; Alenezi, H.; Alanazi, M.F.; Alruwaili, A.S.; Alashjaee, R.H.; Alashjaee, F.H.; Alrasheed, A.K.; Alshrari, B.D. Female Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge, Attitude towards Breast Cancer, and Perceived Barriers towards Mammogram Screening: A Multicenter Study in North Saudi Arabia. Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29, 4300–4314. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. American Cancer Society Survival Rates for Breast Cancer | American Cancer Society. Available online: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html (accessed on 7 May 2024).
  40. Coleman, C. Early Detection and Screening for Breast Cancer. Semin. Oncol. Nurs. 2017, 33, 141–155. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Duffy, S.W.; Vulkan, D.; Cuckle, H.; Parmar, D.; Sheikh, S.; Smith, R.A.; Evans, A.; Blyuss, O.; Johns, L.; Ellis, I.O.; et al. Effect of Mammographic Screening from Age 40 Years on Breast Cancer Mortality (UK Age Trial): Final Results of a Randomised, Controlled Trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020, 21, 1165–1172. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. Kinteh, B.; Kinteh, S.L.S.; Jammeh, A.; Touray, E.; Barrow, A. Breast Cancer Screening: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Female University Students in the Gambia. Biomed Res. Int. 2023, 2023, 9239431. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Almeshari, M.; Alzamil, Y.; Alyahyawi, A.; Abanomy, A.; Althmali, O.; Al-Enezi, M.S.; ShashiKumar, C.G.; Osman, H.; Khandaker, M.U. Awareness Level, Knowledge and Attitude towards Breast Cancer among Staff and Students of Hail University, Saudi Arabia. PLoS ONE 2023, 18, e0282916. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Di Gioia, D.; Stieber, P.; Schmidt, G.P.; Nagel, D.; Heinemann, V.; Baur-Melnyk, A. Early Detection of Metastatic Disease in Asymptomatic Breast Cancer Patients with Whole-Body Imaging and Defined Tumour Marker Increase. Br. J. Cancer 2015, 112, 809. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Luquis, R.R.; Cruz, I.J.V. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions about Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening among Hispanic Women Residing in South Central Pennsylvania. J. Community Health 2006, 31, 25–42. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Elewonibi, B.; BeLue, R. The Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors in Lagos, Nigeria. Ethn. Health 2019, 24, 544–559. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  47. Jung, S.H. Stratified Fisher’s Exact Test and Its Sample Size Calculation. Biometrical J. 2014, 56, 129–140. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  48. Oladimeji, K.E.; Tsoka-Gwegweni, J.M.; Igbodekwe, F.C.; Twomey, M.; Akolo, C.; Balarabe, H.S.; Atilola, O.; Jegede, O.; Oladimeji, O. Knowledge and Beliefs of Breast Self-Examination and Breast Cancer among Market Women in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria. PLoS ONE 2015, 10, e0140904. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Women 04 00037 g001
Figure 1. Pie chart showing the age distribution of participants.
Figure 1. Pie chart showing the age distribution of participants.
Women 04 00037 g001
Table 1. Distribution of Marital Status and Religion.
Table 1. Distribution of Marital Status and Religion.
Variables Frequencies n = 200Frequencies (%)
Marital status
Single 4321.5
Married12663.0
Divorced 2814.0
Widowed 31.5
Religion
Christian 105
Muslim 19095
Table 2. Distribution of occupation and education.
Table 2. Distribution of occupation and education.
Variables Frequencies n = 200Frequencies (%)
Occupation
Civil servant4020.0
Trader157.5
Housewife 11055.0
Farmer00
Student 3517.0
Educational level
Primary 3919.5
Secondary 3819.0
Tertiary 4120.5
None8241.0
Table 3. Awareness of breast cancer screening.
Table 3. Awareness of breast cancer screening.
VariablesNumerical ValueFrequencies n = 200TotalFrequencies (%)Average Sentiment Level
Women are aware of BCS
Strongly agree43514025
Agree35015017.5
Disagree210020050
Strongly disagree115157.5
200505 2.53
Women know the methods of BCS
Strongly agree45522027.5
Agree35516527.5
Disagree26012030.0
Strongly disagree1303015.0
200535 2.68
Women know the time to perform BCS
Strongly agree43012015.0
Agree34513522.5
Disagree210020050.0
Strongly disagree1252512.5
200480 2.40
Table 4. Enlightenment of BCS.
Table 4. Enlightenment of BCS.
VariablesNumerical ValueFrequencies n = 200TotalFrequencies (%)Average Sentiment Level
Women listen to health talks on breast cancer in electronic media
Strongly agree49036045.0
Agree37221636.0
Disagree218369.0
Strongly disagree1202010.0
200632 3.16
Health personnel are responsible
for informing people about breast cancer screening
Strongly agree45020025.0
Agree310030050.0
Disagree2265213.0
Strongly disagree1242412.0
200576 2.88
Print and electronic media are
the best media for enlightening people on BCS
Strongly agree43514017.5
Agree37823439
Disagree2408020
Strongly disagree1474723.5
200501 2.51
Table 5. Attitudes toward breast cancer screening.
Table 5. Attitudes toward breast cancer screening.
VariablesNumerical ValueFrequencies n = 200TotalFrequencies (%)Average Sentiment Level
Women disengage themselves from
breast cancer screening in health facilities
Strongly agree43514017.5
Agree36519532.5
Disagree25711428.5
Strongly disagree1434321.5
200492 2.46
Women are discouraged from having
less trained personnel conduct BCS
Strongly agree43121.5
Agree36183.0
Disagree28016040.0
Strongly disagree111111155.5
200301 1.51
Possibility of cure for breast cancer
is determined by early detection
Strongly agree47831239
Agree3226611
Disagree28016040
Strongly disagree1202010
200558 2.79
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Chukwu, J.A.; Egwu, C.O.; Chukwu, C.; Agwu, A.O.; Oluwafemi, E.O.; Nwadum, S.K.; Oyinloye, I.B.; Anoke-Ani, N.O.; Akpabio, F.P.; Enyanwuma, I. Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Setting in Women Aged 18–45 Years. Women 2024, 4, 503-513. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040037

AMA Style

Chukwu JA, Egwu CO, Chukwu C, Agwu AO, Oluwafemi EO, Nwadum SK, Oyinloye IB, Anoke-Ani NO, Akpabio FP, Enyanwuma I. Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Setting in Women Aged 18–45 Years. Women. 2024; 4(4):503-513. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040037

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chukwu, Jennifer Adaeze, Chinedu O. Egwu, Chidinma Chukwu, Anthony O. Agwu, Emmanuel Ooju Oluwafemi, Solomon Kingsley Nwadum, Inigbehe Babatunde Oyinloye, Nwigbo Ogechukwu Anoke-Ani, Francis P. Akpabio, and Ifeanyi Enyanwuma. 2024. "Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Setting in Women Aged 18–45 Years" Women 4, no. 4: 503-513. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040037

APA Style

Chukwu, J. A., Egwu, C. O., Chukwu, C., Agwu, A. O., Oluwafemi, E. O., Nwadum, S. K., Oyinloye, I. B., Anoke-Ani, N. O., Akpabio, F. P., & Enyanwuma, I. (2024). Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Breast Cancer Screening in Resource-Limited Setting in Women Aged 18–45 Years. Women, 4(4), 503-513. https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040037

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop