The effect of knowledge on uptake of breast cancer prevention modalities among women in Kyadondo County, Uganda

Christine Atuhairwe,Ivan M Taremwa,Steven Mugarura,Elly Agaba,Dinah Amongin

doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5183-5

Christine Atuhairwe, Ivan M Taremwa + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5183-5

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Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer, the third most frequent cancer of women is preventable through knowledge on breast self-examination. Of the 44% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute, only 22% go for check-up in less than three months. This study explored the effect of breast cancer knowledge on the uptake of breast cancer prevention modalities among women in Kyadondo County, Uganda.MethodsA household survey of women in Kyadondo County was conducted during June, 2014 to August, 2015. This involved studying in-depth using a questionnaire the level of breast cancer knowledge of the respondents. Data was analyzed using logistic regression model. Chi-square test was used to establish relationships between knowledge base factors and the uptake of breast cancer prevention modalities.ResultsThis study has established an empirical relationship between uptake of breast cancer prevention modalities and source of information especially radio (OR 1.94 95% CI: 1.16–3.24), television (OR 1.82 95%CI: 1.14–2.93), awareness of breast cancer (OR 4.03 95%CI: 1.01–15.98), knowledge on how to reduce risk of breast cancer (OR 1.98 95% CI: 1.20–3.27), what reduces breast cancer acquisition (OR 2.75 95% CI: 1.42–5.35), how to check for signs of breast cancer especially through breast self-examination (OR 3.09 95% CI: 1.62–5.88), and other methods of breast cancer diagnosis in a health care set up.ConclusionThe women’s level of breast cancer awareness as a primary prevention strategy was found wanting, and requires a boost through community health education.

Highlights

Breast cancer, the third most frequent cancer of women is preventable through knowledge on breast self-examination
The religious affiliation revealed that 25.5% were Muslims, 15.5% were Seventh Day Adventists and atheists, 29.5% were Anglican and Roman Catholic respectively. 74.4% of these women were urban dwellers, 20.8% were in semi urban areas and only 4.8% were in rural areas of Kyadondo County
The study findings revealed that, 36.2% compared to 63.8% had adopted breast cancer prevention modalities in Kyadondo Count

Summary

Introduction

The third most frequent cancer of women is preventable through knowledge on breast self-examination. Breast cancer is preventable through the uptake of such modalities like nationwide breast cancer awareness program involving clinics in remote areas and a referral system that to improve detection and treatment [5, 7]. This approach has been universally considered and it is hoped to subside related morbidities and Atuhairwe et al BMC Public Health (2018) 18:279 deaths [7]. As the burden of breast cancer increases, there is minimal awareness in most parts of Africa, and this hinders the possibility of cure, prevention and possible elimination [8, 9] As a result, this has seen unacceptably high infection cases and deaths among females [8, 10].

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