Practice, Perceptions, and Prospects of Mammography Screening in Nigeria: Insights From a National Survey of Female Health Workers

Abstract

BackgroundMammography, the most preferred tool for breast cancer screening, has very poor uptake in Nigeria, even among health workers. No nationwide study has been done to ascertain this. This study sought to determine the current perceptions and practices of Nigerian female health care practitioners on mammography screening across different types and levels of health care institutions in the country's 6 geopolitical zones. MethodsThis cross-sectional online survey was conducted using Google Forms distributed among Nigerian female health workers via online professional associations and networks. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS version 20. ResultsA total of 562 respondents, with mean age of 41.30 ± 9.8 years, were surveyed. About half (50.3%) were doctors, with majority practicing in southern Nigeria. A mammography screening utilization rate of 15.4% was found, with majority having their first mammography long after attaining the age of eligibility. As of the time of the survey, only 24.8% of tertiary health workers had access to functional mammography machines at their place of work. Majority of female doctors (78%) never refer eligible patients for mammography, although nearly all (98.6%) were willing to do so. About 54% of those who have had a previous mammography screening vs. 17% who have not had 1 would recommend it to others. Majority of respondents recommended annual mammography from the age of forty at a subsidized cost. ConclusionNigerian female health workers have limited access to mammography and consequently do not screen often. Efforts must be made to make ‘charity begin at home’.