ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF BREAST CANCER SCREENING AMONG FEMALE PATIENTS ACCESSING CARE IN EDO SPECIALIST TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer remains a significant public health concern, necessitating early detection through effective screening practices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast cancer screening among female patients at Edo Specialist Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo State.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult females assessing care in Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select the study participants and data were collected using a pre-tested self-structured questionnaire designed to capture information on participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast cancer screening. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software version 26.0). The hypothesis was tested using the Chi-square test of association, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05 and the result were presented as prose and frequency tables.
Results: The study included 127(100%) participants with a mean age (SD) 28.12 ±5.6. Good knowledge about breast cancer was demonstrated by 123 (96.9%) of the participant but 110 (86.6%) is aware of breast cancer screening methods. Most respondents demonstrated a positive attitude towards breast cancer screening, with the overall mean score of 4.2 out of 5. However, only one third of respondents had ever undergone mammography, highlighting a gap between knowledge and practice.
Conclusion: The study revealed that although a significant proportion of participate in Edo Specialist possessed good knowledge of breast cancer screening, its utilization remains low. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced education and awareness campaigns, improved access to screening services, and targeted efforts to overcome financial and logistical barriers. Addressing these factors could improve breast cancer screening practices and early detection rates among female patients in this region.
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