Evaluating Nutrition-related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for the Prevention of Breast Cancer among Women in Jordan

Abstract

Background: A healthy diet plays a significant role in preventing and treating various diseases, including colon and breast cancer. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition in breast cancer prevention and to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and nutrition practices for breast cancer prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning breast cancer among 1511 women in Jordan. The survey underwent content validation and received IRB approval from King Abdullah University Hospital. Results: A total of 1511 participants completed the survey. Knowledge levels, with a mean score of 12, significantly varied based on education level (ρ-value = 0.04), field of education (ρ-value ≤ 0.001), and physical activity (ρ-value ≤ 0.001). The mean scores for attitudes and practices toward nutrition-related breast cancer prevention factors were 21.5 and 37, respectively. Conclusion: The study found that education level, family history, physical activity patterns, and sleep habits were factors associated with nutrition knowledge and positive practices, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. However, increasing nutrition knowledge alone was not sufficient to change dietary behavior. Implications for Nursing: Risk reduction strategies can be enhanced by incorporating evidence-based practices, such as those identified in this study. Additionally, current prevention and treatment options, including education, counseling, and psychosocial support, should be further developed to increase nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for breast cancer prevention. Keywords: Breast cancer, Nutrition, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Awareness, Lifestyle.