Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Breast Cancer amongst Lebanese Females in Beirut

Abstract

Objectives: Regular screening for breast cancer is associated with better survival, but compliance with guidelines<br />depends on good knowledge and attitudes. This study aimed to assess the level of breast cancer knowledge, attitudes<br />and screening practices in Lebanese females, and identify their socio-demographic determinants as well as barriers to<br />mammography use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 371 Lebanese females residing in Beirut<br />aged 18-65 with no history of breast cancer. The questionnaire applied was adapted from Stager and Champion.<br />The overall knowledge score was determined with sections on general knowledge, curability, symptoms, and screening;<br />the overall attitude score concerned attitudes towards breast cancer, screening, and barriers; and the overall practices<br />score was for breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. Bivariate and<br />multivariate analyses of socioeconomic determinants were performed for each score. Results: The mean knowledge<br />score was 55.5±17.1% and that for attitudes was 71.9±8.3%. For self-examination, mammography and clinical<br />examination practices, individual means were 45.7±42.3%, 77.9±36.5% and 29.1±45.5%, respectively. Knowledge,<br />attitudes and practices correlated positively with each other (p<0.0001). The highest average was the knowledge<br />of symptoms (72.8±24.7%), and the lowest that of curability (49.6±25.7%). Most frequent barriers to mammography<br />were fear of learning bad news, pain, costs, and staff unpleasantness. Higher education was associated with better<br />knowledge (p=0.002) and smoking with lower levels (p=0.003). Older age (p=0.002), higher education (p=0.02),<br />and taking exercise (p=0.02) were associated with better attitudes. Higher education (p=0.02) and having children<br />(p=0.003) were associated with better practices. Conclusion: More emphasis should be placed on educating females<br />on the curability of breast cancer and specific targeting of the barriers identified.