Breast Cancer Screening among Nurses and Midwives in Maamobi General Hospital and Achimota Hospital

Abstract

Background: The commonest occurring cancer among women worldwide is breast cancer. In addition, it is the principal cause of mortalities in women resulting from cancer (O’Mahony et al, 2013). Statistics show that one out of nine women, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime (Torre et al, 2015). There is 95% survival rate if the disease is detected early (Seer, 2008). Early detection can be achieved through the adoption of screening practices (Tavafian et al, 2009). Objective: To evaluate health beliefs, knowledge regarding risk factors for breast cancer and screening practices among the study participants. Method: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey in two district hospitals in Accra Metropolitan area. The study population comprised of 180 nurses and midwives. Data was collected by means of an electronically administered questionnaire between May and June 2018. The questionnaire covered demographic variables, knowledge on breast cancer risk factors, breast cancer screening practices and assessment of Health Beliefs. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 32 years ± 8 years. Marital status (p = 0.01), income (p = <0.01) and work experience (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with uptake of breast self-examination. Age (p.value= <0.001), marital status (p.value = < 0.001), income (p= <0.001), and work experience (p = < 0.001) were significantly associated with uptake of Clinical breast examination. Age (p=<0.001), income (p=<0.001) and work experience were significantly associated with uptake of Mammography. Majority of participants had good knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, however, this did not translate into breast cancer screening. Uptake of clinical breast examination and mammography were low among the study participants, 31.7% and 6.1% respectively Majority of the participants, 67.0%, believed that breast cancer screening is not beneficial. Participants’ health beliefs did not influence their uptake of breast cancer screening. Conclusion: The results suggest the need for continuing professional education to improve the attitude of nurses and midwives towards breast cancer screening.