Open AccessAttitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination in Women in Morocco
Author(s) -
Pedro Conde,
A.C. Filankembo Kava,
Samira El Fakir,
Nabil Tachfouti,
Chakib Nejjari,
Djiba Diakité,
Youssef Chami Khazraji,
Rachid Bekkali,
Latifa Belakhel,
L. Aboussalham
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.81300
Subject(s) - medicine , breast self examination , breast cancer , observational study , gynecology , family medicine , population , obstetrics , physical examination , breast examination , cross sectional study , cancer , clinical practice , mammography , environmental health , pathology
Background: Breast cancer is characterized in Morocco, by the delay in diagnosis, with a high rate of metastatic extension which leads to the difficulty of treatment and an increasement of mortality. It is often the woman who detects breast abnormalities through self-examination. Self-examination alone does not diagnose the breast cancer. Despite it is accessible method in developing countries because it is easy, convenient, private, safe and requires no specific equipment. Aim: The objective was to study the practice of breast self-examination in women in Morocco. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study that was conducted in July 2011 based on early detection programs in basic health centers. A total of 1444 women aged from 17 to 86 years were included on the eligibility basis for early detection of breast and cervical cancer in Morocco. For each participant we collected sociodemographic data, information on breast cancer factors, data on the level of knowledge of breast cancer, and information on breast self-examination practice. Results: The average age was 41 years old. The information on breast self-examination came mainly from the media (57, 28%). The practice of the breast self-examination in 56.9%. In our study population, we had 76.6% multiparous, 7.8% nulliparous and 15.6% primiparous. Among the 36 participants, 3% were illiterate, 23% had primary education, 26.4% secondary education and 201 (14%) had a higher education level. The breast self-examination practice was associated with participants´ level of education (OR = 1.69) ( P = 0.000). Membership in the different age groups had no effect on the practice of breast self-examination ( P = 0.182). Conclusion: It is imperative to increase awareness of the practice of breast self-examination and its methods through health education campaigns.