ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer in Nigeria and other developing countries is characterized by late presentation and poor outcome due to ignorance, superstition, self-denial, fear of mastectomy, and unavailability of treatment facilities. The mortality of breast cancer in Western world is decreasing due to early detection and better management. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at accessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast cancer screening among female tertiary health workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study carried out using a structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of breast cancer and screening methods among female health workers. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 31.70 ± 7.62 years. The level of awareness of breast cancer screening methods was high: 158 (98.75%), 127 (79.4%), and 144 (90.0%) for breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography, respectively. However, only 47 (35.9%), 36 (22.5%), and 3 (1.9%) correctly practiced BSE, CBE, and mammography, respectively. The level of education and occupation showed significant correlations with the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening methods. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer screening still needs to be promoted to improve the attitude and practice among both health workers and general population.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Health Personnel , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , Middle Aged , Nigeria , Young AdultSubject(s)
Health Status , Stress, Psychological/physiopathology , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nigeria , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and determinants of dependence in older Nigerians and associations with informal care and health service utilization. DESIGN: A single-phase cross-sectional catchment area survey. SETTING: Dunukofia, a rural community in southeastern Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two hundred thirty-eight adults aged 65 and older, for whom full data were available on 914. MEASUREMENTS: The full 10/66 Dementia Research Group survey protocol was applied, including ascertainment of depression, cognitive impairment, physical impairments, and self-reported diagnoses. The interviewer rated dependence as not needing care, needing some care, or needing much care. The prevalence of dependence and the independent contribution of underlying health conditions were estimated. Sources of income, care arrangements, caregiver strain, and health service use are described according to level of dependence. RESULTS: The prevalence of dependence was 24.3% (95% confidence interval=22.1-26.5%), with a concentration in participants aged 80 and older. Only 1% of participants received a pension, and fewer than 7% had paid work. Those who were dependent were less likely than others to receive income from their family. Cognitive impairment, physical impairments, stroke, and depression were each independently associated with dependence. Depression made the largest contribution. Dependence was strongly associated with health service use (particularly private doctor and traditional healer services) and with high levels of out-of-pocket expenditure. CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, dependence is an important outcome given rapid demographic aging and increases in chronic disease prevalence in all developing regions. Enhancing the social protection of dependent older adults should be a policy priority. Cognitive and mental disorders are important contributors to disability and dependence; more attention should be given to their prevention, detection, and treatment.
