TO GET THE COMPLETE JOURNAL/THESIS FOR TOPIC BELOW,
CALL: 08168759420, 08068231953
WHATSAPP: 08137701720
MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING IN NIGERIA: WOMEN AND PRACTITIONERS’ VIEW ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING ATTENDANCE
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death amongst women. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer is expected in developing countries (such as Nigeria) by 2030. However, mammography screening can significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity owing to breast cancer in women. In Nigeria, 70% of the breast cancer cases are reported at its later stages, and evidence concludes that the participation level of susceptible women in the mammography screening programme is low. This study aims to explore the factors affecting women’s attendance in mammography screening in the Lagos state.
A descriptive qualitative approach is used to explore the views of susceptible women living in Lagos state. To gain the holistic understanding on this topic seven focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews with five mammography practitioners in Lagos state was conducted. The study was guided by the theory of care seeking behaviour, and participants were questioned through semi-structured interviews and focus group guides. The conventional content analysis method was used to analyse the information gathered from the participants. Results have shown that lack of awareness among women influences their knowledge on benefits and risks, thus exposing them to several forms of fear and cultural myths which may directly affect their attendance in mammography screenings. However, professionalism of mammography staff and government’s role in providing an effective mammography screening service are factors found to externally influence women’s attendance.
Substantially, the need for education within the society can be exaggerated, as the participants identified that education might improve awareness, reduce fear and improve women’s attendance.
Keywords
Mammography-screening, attendance, breast cancer, health promotion