Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding breast cancer among women in Baghdad City,Iraq

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among females worldwide. Knowledge about breast cancer signs and symptoms is crucial in early diagnosis which can lead to decrease motiality. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about breast cancer and its related factors among women in Baghdad city, Iraq. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 women aged 18 to 55 years old from 4 non-govenmental organizations (NGO) in Baghdad city Iraq. A self- aadministered questionnaire on Breast cancer knowledge, practice and attitude was distributed to participants during weekly activity of the NGO. The results showed that 61.2% of the respondents have poor knowledge, only 30.3% perform breast self-examination BSE and 66.1 % have good attitude toward breast cancer. There was a_significant association between marital status and knowledge, while for attitude, the association with working was significant. For practice, the association between working status, educational level age and family income with practice was significant. After controlling of all confounders using multiple logistic regressions; the most contributing factor for poor knowledge among respondents was marital status (AOR:1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.45). For attitude, was working status (AOR; 2.09, 95% CI; 1.31-3.32) while for practice were age, educational level and working status (AOR: 1:03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05; AOR:1.70, 95% CI: 1.06-2.73; AOR:1. 93, 95% CI; 1.19-3.12) respectively. As conclusion, the breast cancer knowledge and practive of BSE were poor among women in Baghdad city, Iraq. More promotion regarding breast cancer signs and symptoms and also how to perform BSE should be done using media such as television and internet as it was the main source of information for most women in our study.