Original Research
Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward breast cancer screening in a rural South African community
Submitted: 25 April 2013 | Published: 27 February 2015
About the author(s)
Dorah U. Ramathuba, Department of Advanced Nursing, University of Venda, South AfricaConfidence T. Ratshirumbi, Department of Psychology, University of Venda, South Africa
Tshilidzi M. Mashamba, Department of Psychology, University of Venda, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and breast cancer screening practices amongst women aged 30–65 years residing in a rural South African community.
Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was used and a systematic sampling technique was employed to select 150 participants. The questionnaire was pretested for validity and consistency. Ethical considerations were adhered to in protecting the rights of participants. Thereafter, data were collected and analysed descriptively using the Predictive Analytics Software program.
Results: Findings revealed that the level of knowledge about breast cancer of women in Makwarani Community was relatively low. The attitude toward breast cancer was negative whereas the majority of women had never performed breast cancer diagnostic methods.
Conclusion: Health education on breast cancer screening practices is lacking and the knowledge deficit can contribute negatively to early detection of breast cancer and compound late detection. Based on the findings, community-based intervention was recommended in order to bridge the knowledge gap
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Crossref Citations
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Nigerian Medical Journal vol: 60 issue: 5 first page: 219 year: 2019
doi: 10.4103/nmj.NMJ_84_19