Breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among female nurses in a tertiary hospital in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a global burden and has become a major public health concern. Early diagnosis through screening is the best way to achieve cure, reduce morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. Many of the women in this environment have little or no knowledge about breast cancer and the attitude and orientation of health-care professional are important determinants of the use of breast screening program. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female nurses in the Bida, Niger state. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional conducted among female nurses in Federal Medical Centre, Bida, between May and August 2021. The questionnaire contained 20 questions on the knowledge of breast cancer. Each correct answer had a score of 1 and 0 for an incorrect answer or “don't know.” The overall score was calculated for each respondent by summing up the symptom and risk score. It was graded as 0–9 = Poor and 10–20 = Good. Data collected were analyzed by computer analysis using the SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 150 female nurses participated in the study with mean age of 41.7 ± 8.1 years. Overall assessment of the respondent's knowledge of breast cancer revealed that 112 (74.7%) of them had good knowledge and 38 (25.3%) had poor knowledge. Only 59 (38.3%) practice breast self-examination monthly. Concerning clinical breast examination, 22 (14.7%) of them have had their breast examined before by a health professional while 12 (8%) of the participants had done mammography before. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that the knowledge of breast cancer among female nurses was good but it has not really translated into practices of the preventive measures for early detection of breast cancer.