Barriers and Attitudes toward Breast Cancer Screening among Omani Women.

Mohammed Al-Azri,Shamsa Al-Ghafri,Mustafa Al-Hinai,Sathiya Murthi Panchatcharam,Kawther Al-Rubaie

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.5.1339

Mohammed Al-Azri, Shamsa Al-Ghafri + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.5.1339

Copy DOI

Abstract

Background:Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer accounting for 24.5% of Omani female cancer. Early detection of BC through regular breast cancer screening (BCS) has been found to decrease mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify knowledge, attitudes and barriers of Omani women toward BCS. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Omani women attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH). Results:A total of 358 Omani women participated from 420 invited (response rate = 85.2%). Most women (92.1%) thought that BC could be cured if detected early, but less than half (46.8%) thought that they were at risk of BC if a relative had BC. The majority (81.1%) were aware that BCS was available in Oman, though less than half (48.5%) knew where to go for BCS and most (83.8%) had not undergone BCS before. The most common personal-related barriers to BCS were fear of BC diagnosis (40.8%), fear of treatment (52.1%) and embarrassment of the breast examination (46.6%). The most perceived system-related barriers to BCS were the concern over the availability of a male doctor (46.6%) or a non-Arabic speaking doctor (38.7%) and not recommended by the doctor (46.3%). Univariate binary logistic regression showed that attitudes toward BCS were influenced by their previous experiences of BCS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-4.41) and their willingness to participate in the future BCS [OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.14-3.37). Conclusion:Although Omani women showed an interest toward BCS, few had undergone BCS. Several cultural, practical and personal-related barriers were noted to interfere with BCS in Oman. Addressing these concerns through involving healthcare providers to reassure the women and implementing a national strategy of BCS could improve BCS screenings and early diagnosis of BC.

Highlights

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women globally, with an estimated 2.1 million women being diagnosed with BC each year
Univariate binary logistic regression showed that attitudes toward breast cancer screening (BCS) were influenced by their previous experiences of BCS and their willingness to participate in the future BCS [OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.14-3.37)
BC mortality rates have been decreasing in many developed countries, mainly attributed to early detection and improved treatments, they continue to rise in developing countries due to changes in risk factors, limited access to routine breast cancer screening (BCS) and a lack of treatment (Bhikoo et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women globally, with an estimated 2.1 million women being diagnosed with BC each year. BC mortality rates have been decreasing in many developed countries, mainly attributed to early detection and improved treatments, they continue to rise in developing countries due to changes in risk factors, limited access to routine breast cancer screening (BCS) and a lack of treatment (Bhikoo et al, 2011). Detection of BC through regular breast cancer screening (BCS) has been found to decrease mortality rates. Practical and personal-related barriers were noted to interfere with BCS in Oman

Objectives

Methods

Results