Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Breast Self-Examination Among Women Aged 35 to 65 Years in the Commune of Mbour (Senegal)

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is second only to cervical cancer in Senegal. It has a high mortality rate because of its late diagnosis and the inadequacy and availability of treatment. In countries with limited resources, breast self-examination is still a means of early diagnosis of breast cancer. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice of BSE in the commune of Mbour. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that took place from 01 to 30 July 2022 in the commune of Mbour. The study population consisted of women aged 35 to 65 years who had been living in the study area for more than three months. Sampling was carried out using a two-stage cluster survey. Results: A total of 599 women were surveyed. The average age of the women was 44.3 years. Educated women represented 56.3% of the sample. Married women accounted for 81.4% of the sample and those engaged in an income-generating activity 64.9%. The overall level of knowledge was average, with 57.9% correctly answering questions about breast cancer and breast self-examination. The most frequent sources of information are the media, with television (77.1%), radio (53.4%) and written media (35.2%). Health professionals are also an important source of information, with 43.9% of women informed by this source. Overall, 78.5% (471) of the women surveyed had the 'right' attitude and 20.9% the 'wrong' attitude. We noted in the series that 10.9% (65) of women performed breast self-examination adequately according to the recommended technique. However, 22.7% (136) of women performed BSE inadequately. The practice of BSE was higher in women over 50 (72.3%) than in women under 50, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). It is noted that women's level of education had a significant influence (p<0.05) on the practice of BSE, with 69.2% of women who practiced BSE being educated. In contrast, women's marital status and the exercise of income-generating-activity among women had no influence on the practice of BSE. Conclusion: In order to improve the practice of breast self-examination, it is important to strengthen communication aimed at women through the media and healthcare personnel.