KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF BREAST CANCER SCREENING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN AGED 15-50 YEARS IN ADJUMANI HOSPITAL ADJUMANI DISTRICT; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards breast cancer screening among women aged 15-50 years in Adjumani Hospital.

Methodology:

The study employed a cross-section study design and a simple random sampling technique to obtain a sample of 50 respondents’ questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed manually using tally sheets and entered in a computer using Microsoft Excel computer program to generate tables, pie charts, and bar graphs.

Results:

Results from the study on knowledge reported that the majority of the respondents (70%) had ever heard about breast cancer, 52% of respondents obtained information about breast cancer from a hospital, 68% didn’t know the risk factors that predispose to breast cancer, 58% reported increased age as the risk factor that predisposes to breast cancer, 80% didn’t know the three methods of breast cancer screening, 60% were willing to go for breast cancer screening, 50% reported if it is free of charge, 70% had never done breast self-examination, 56% had little knowledge about the procedures as the reason as to why they had never done breast cancer screening, 50% they had ever done breast self-examination, 40% often do breast self-examination monthly, 52% were recommended by health workers to go for breast cancer screening services and 46% reported self-breast screenings the preventive measure for breast cancer.

Conclusion:

Even though women had had fairly good attitudes towards the utilization of breast cancer screening services, surprisingly were at risk of contracting breast cancer because they had insufficient knowledge of signs and symptoms, and few of them had ever done breast cancer screening with stumpy levels of breast cancer preventive practices.

Recommendation:

The management of Adjumani Hospital should increase breast cancer screening awareness through health education during antenatal care to all mothers.