Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Surrounding Breast Cancer and Screening in Female
Abstract
Background : Breast cancer is by far the most frequent cancer of women. However the preventive measures for such problem
are probably less than expected. The objectives of this study are to assess breast cancer knowledge and attitudes and factors
associated with the practice of breast self examination (BSE) among female teachers of Saudi Arabia.
Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of teachers working in female schools in Buraidah, Saudi
Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire to investigate participants' knowledge about the risk factors of breast cancer,
their attitudes and screening behaviors. A sample of 376 female teachers was randomly selected. Participants lived in urban
areas, and had an average age of 34.7 ±5.4 years.
Results: More than half of the women showed a limited knowledge level. Among participants, the most frequently reported risk
factors were non-breast feeding and the use of female sex hormones. The printed media was the most common source of
knowledge. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high income was the most significant predictor of better knowledge level.
Knowing a non-relative case with breast cancer and having a high knowledge level were identified as the significant predictors
for practicing BSE.
Conclusions: The study points to the insufficient knowledge of female teachers about breast cancer and identified the negative
influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE. Accordingly, relevant educational programs to improve the knowledge level
of women regarding breast cancer are needed.
Key words: breast cancer, Saudi Arabia, knowledge, screening, self examination of breast
are probably less than expected. The objectives of this study are to assess breast cancer knowledge and attitudes and factors
associated with the practice of breast self examination (BSE) among female teachers of Saudi Arabia.
Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of teachers working in female schools in Buraidah, Saudi
Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire to investigate participants' knowledge about the risk factors of breast cancer,
their attitudes and screening behaviors. A sample of 376 female teachers was randomly selected. Participants lived in urban
areas, and had an average age of 34.7 ±5.4 years.
Results: More than half of the women showed a limited knowledge level. Among participants, the most frequently reported risk
factors were non-breast feeding and the use of female sex hormones. The printed media was the most common source of
knowledge. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high income was the most significant predictor of better knowledge level.
Knowing a non-relative case with breast cancer and having a high knowledge level were identified as the significant predictors
for practicing BSE.
Conclusions: The study points to the insufficient knowledge of female teachers about breast cancer and identified the negative
influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE. Accordingly, relevant educational programs to improve the knowledge level
of women regarding breast cancer are needed.
Key words: breast cancer, Saudi Arabia, knowledge, screening, self examination of breast
Dandash, K. F., & Al- Mohaimeed, A. (2007). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Surrounding Breast Cancer and Screening in Female. International Journal of Health Sciences, 1(1). Retrieved from https://ijhs.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/113
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