AN ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED RISKS OF BREAST CANCER AND SCREENING ATTENDANCE AMONG WOMEN IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

 

ALLO, T. A.1*, Edewor, P. A.2, & Imhonopi, D.3

1Ms., Covenant University, Nigeria, tolu.allo@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

2Prof., Covenant University, Nigeria, patrick.edewor@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

3Dr., Covenant University, Nigeria, david.imhonopi@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

*Corresponding author

 

Abstract

This study examined the perceived risks of breast cancer and it influence on breast cancer screening attendance among 992 women in 5 selected Local Government Areas in Ogun state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of women aged 15 – 69 years was performed using the multi-stage sampling technique. Opinions were sampled based on their general knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, if they think they may be at risk of getting breast cancer and if they will go for a voluntary breast cancer screening. A total of 10 in-depth-interviews was also conducted to complement the survey method. Opinions were sampled from women residing in rural, urban and semi-urban communities in the 5 LGAs. The test of relationship using the Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) showed that women’s decision towards breast cancer screening is not determined by perceptions of risk, but are rather determined by religious and socio-cultural beliefs in the study area. Risk perception although an important component of behavioural change, is not a sufficient enough variable that is capable of impacting on women’s behaviour and disposition towards breast cancer screening.Future policies and programs of the government and major stakeholders may be structured in a religious and culturally sensitive manner to correct wrong and uneducated beliefs about breast cancer screening in order to help women make accurate and informed risks assessment for prompt preventive action aimed at reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Additionally, women’s life experiences and personal beliefs about breast cancer should be put into consideration when designing policies and programs so as to make these programs yield desired result which is behavioural modification.

Keywords: Perceived risks, Women, Screening attendance, Breast cancer

 


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CITATION: Abstracts & Proceedings of ADVED 2018 - 4th International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences, 15-17 October 2018- Istanbul, Turkey

ISBN: 978-605-82433-4-7