Knowledge and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening Methods Among Women in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Early detection through appropriate screening methods is essential to improve outcomes for breast cancer, a major public health problem. The study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening methods among women in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed and convenience sampling technique was used in the recruitment of 385 women aged 18 years and above in Oye Ekiti. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula for an unknown population at the 95% confidence level. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed knowledge of breast cancer screening methods (breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography), related diagnostic procedures (breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and breast biopsy) as well as utilisation of these methods. The data obtained were analysed by IBM SPSS. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used in summarising demographic characteristics and level of knowledge and practice. Pearson Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables and binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of practice at 5% level of significance (p 0.05).

The results revealed that 69.9% of the respondents were aware of at least one method of breast cancer screening. It was also found that 59.7% of them were aware specifically of breast self-examination. In total, 63.1% of the respondents practiced at least one breast cancer screening method and 56.9% practiced breast self-examination regularly. Knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening was significantly associated with educational status, employment status, religion, income level and overall knowledge of screening methods (p 0.05).

The findings point to the necessity of targeted interventions to enhance awareness, knowledge and uptake of recommended methods for breast cancer screening. Community-based health education programmes, improved access to screening services and integration of breast cancer screening into primary healthcare could help to address the gaps identified in this study. Overcoming these barriers may help improve breast cancer outcomes and facilitate earlier detection in this population.