Teaching rural women in Nicaragua the principles of breast health

J Cancer Educ. 2011 Sep;26(3):560-5. doi: 10.1007/s13187-011-0244-9.

Abstract

Breast cancer has emerged as an important health condition worldwide, including developing countries. Screening is limited or non-existent in resource-poor areas. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of self (SBE) and clinical (CBE) breast examinations among 198 rural Nicaraguan women. Ten (5.1%) had performed a SBE, and 16 (8.1%) had a CBE. CBE was significantly associated with a pre-instruction total score of 70% or greater (OR = 13.7, 95% CI = 1.26, 149.70, p = 0.03). Family history of breast cancer was significantly associated with performing a SBE (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 1.10, 27.81, p = 0.037) and a CBE (OR = 7.1, 95% CI = 1.40, 35.94, p = 0.018). A CBE is a significant determinant of pre-existing breast health knowledge. Physicians or physician extenders should be encouraged to perform a CBE as a routine component of health care delivery and cancer screening for women.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Breast Self-Examination*
  • Developing Countries
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Middle Aged
  • Nicaragua
  • Teaching*
  • Young Adult