1646 Breast Cancer Awareness Among Female Nurses in Pakistan: About Time to Scrub Off Assumptions!

Abstract

Abstract Aim The main aim of this research is to assess whether the clinical experience influence the knowledge, attitude and practices of female nursing staff and nursing students regarding breast cancer and to provide a baseline for monitoring trends of breast cancer awareness in them. Method A cross-sectional study of 280 female nurses was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. A pre-tested structured questionnaire with additional variables like cultural barriers to seeking medical help was used.1 The scores for outcome variables including knowledge, attitude and practices were pre-defined. Data was analyzed using SPSSv23. Results Of the 280 participants, with a p-value of 0.018, nurses aged more than 30 years, faced more practical, financial, emotional, and service barriers as compared to women younger than 30 years of age. By application of Chi-square test, there was a significant correlation between marital status and cultural barriers to seeking medical help, showing that single women (58.7%) shy away from talking about breast cancer considering it a taboo (p-value 0.028) whereas, more married nurses (59.2%) were apprehensive that they might be considered at fault by the society. (p-value 0.038) Conclusions Our study recognizes the need for delivering effective information to the female nurses regarding breast cancer in the biggest hospital of the capital city. Educating patients is likely to be effective if the female nurses play their part and have correct attitudes towards breast cancer practices. Therefore, we recommend arrangement of special courses and seminars for all healthcare professionals including the nursing staff.