Determinants of breast cancer screening practices: a survey of women in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

UAE data revealed a low breast cancer screening rate. To identify factors that influence breast cancer screening practices and adherence rates. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2013 in 3 settings in Ajman, UAE. Women aged >/= 20 years, resident in UAE for >/= 3 year and accepted to give informed consent were included. Validated, pilot tested, self-administered questionnaires were used. Compliance to the UAE Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and adherence to the corresponding healthcare professionals' recommendations were used as criteria to assess the participants' breast cancer screening compliance and adherence rates respectively. A total of 207 participants were included. Knowledge of risk factors significantly predicted screening compliance with both Mammography and Clinical Breast Examination [CBE] [OR 0.869, 95% CI 0.757-0.997]. Not having a personal history of breast cancer [OR 10.932, CI 12.03-58.885] and having no other reason to visit the doctor/ hospital [OR 0.092, CI 0.01-0.85] significantly predicted not undergoing mammography in the last 2 years. The screening compliance rates were14.9% and 22% respectively for CBE plus mammography and with mammography alone. The adherence rate for CBE and mammography were 34.2% and 46.8% respectively. Factors that determined screening practices were women's knowledge about risk factors, history of breast cancer, and having other reasons that bring them to the doctor/ hospital