Can We Leverage HIV Prevention Programs for Breast Cancer Interventions? Preliminary Findings From a Study in Nigerian Women Working in the Informal Work Sector

Abstract

PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Nigerian women. A large proportion of Nigerian women work as artisans in the informal work sector. As a population, they are unreached and underserved with poor access to BC information and screening services. Studies have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing HIV prevention programs through artisan groups. Integrating BC programs to existing HIV prevention programs may offer potentials to tap synergies and could lead to sustainable integrated interventions. This study assessed BC screening practices and the feasibility of implementing integrated HIV and BC programs among artisans. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 local government areas in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected using an electronic data capture tool from 400 consenting respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique. Knowledge of BC and HIV were measured on 14- and 8-item scales. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests at P < .05. RESULTS A quarter of the 400 respondents were age ≥ 40 years, a third were Muslims, and 64.8% had secondary level education or less. One third (32.8%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge of BC signs and symptoms. Of the respondents, 11.3% of the women received clinical breast examination, while the mammography rate for women age ≥ 40 years was 9.0%. In contrast, the proportion of artisans with adequate knowledge of HIV’s modes of transmission was 92.7% and HIV screening was 74%. Educational level, religion, and knowledge of BC signs and symptoms were significantly associated with BC screening ( P < .05). Rate of willingness to participate in an integrated HIV and BC intervention was 95.5%. CONCLUSION BC knowledge and screening practices are low. Findings will inform the development of an integrated intervention that can serve as a model with the potential to expand coverage, and reduce missed opportunities for early detection and treatment of BC and other noncommunicable diseases.