Assessment and Practice of Female Health Care Workers Regarding Risk of Breast Cancer and Screening Methods Cross-Sectional Study, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: A high level of knowledge practice among female health care workers regarding risk factors for breast cancer and screening methods is important in increasing awareness in the general population. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of female health care workers in Najran about breast cancer and their behavior in relation to breast screening methods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer administered questionnaire-based survey method at a Maternity and Children’s Hospital, primary health care centers and King Khalid Hospital at Najran City, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted from April 2019 to June 2019. A total of 493 participants were included. Data were collected, coded, and entered into a statistical software program (IBM SPSS version 25) for statistical analysis. Result: Among the 493 participants, 17% had good knowledge about the risk factors for breast cancer, while 37% had moderate knowledge and 46% had poor knowledge. Knowledge and attitudes regarding methods of screening for breast cancer was poor in 57.2% of the participants, moderate in 36.5% and only 6.3% had good awareness. In terms of barriers to screening, 47.3%, 50.5% and 27.2% were unaware of mammograms, clinical breast examinations and self-examination, respectively. Among the participants, 42.0% obtained relevant information from symposia, workshops and social media. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and attitudes among female health care workers regarding risk factors of breast screening is low. Urgent intervention by the health care system in Saudi Arabia is required to increase the awareness of breast cancer screening among health care workers.