Assessment of Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening Methods among Nurses in University Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2011.
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide; therefore has become a global health problem. According to the American Cancer Society; about 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually worldwide and about 465,000 will die from the disease. Breast cancer was considered as a disease of the developed countries but now a day the incidence of breast cancer in the developing countries is rising. In Ethiopia breast cancer is the second most often occurring cancer (cervical cancer is first) among women. Early
diagnosis is especially important for breast cancer because the disease responds best to treatment before it has spread. To do this knowing the screening techniques like breast self examination, clinical breast examination and mammography is legitimate. It is therefore important for nurses
as educators to have appropriate information and positive attitude toward breast cancer early detection (screening techniques) of breast cancer. Nurses’ knowledge and awareness of breast cancer screening behavior for themselves and would also impact patients’ behavior by increasing their awareness.
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening methods among Nurses in University Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHOD: Descriptive cross-sectional design was used with simple random sampling technique, on sample of 281 nurses at university hospitals of Addis Ababa. Data collection took place on March, 2011 using self administered questionnaire to obtain information such as demographic characteristics, knowledge of breast cancer and screening method. To see the association
between the independent and the dependent variable bivariate analysis was made and crude OR correspondence to 95% C.I was calculated. Multivariate analysis was manipulated to see the independent variable effect on the dependent variable and adjusted OR on 95 % C.I and statistical significance at p<0.05. Tables and charts were used for data presentation.
RESULTS: the main findings revealed among the 270 nurses, only 156(57.8%) of them were knowledgeable about breast cancer and its screening and 114(42.2%) were not knowledgeable. Knowledge of breast cancer was found to be significantly associated with regular course in nursing, family history of respondents and unit of work. Further inverse association has been made with years of nursing experience and marital status.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The results of this study indicate the knowledge of nurses is not satisfying. And highlights the need to improve breast cancer content in the nursing curriculum and undergo more workplace training in the area of breast cancer and screening methods.
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Keywords
Breast Cancer, Knowledge, Screening, Nurses