Environmental and psychosocial predictors of breast cancer screening among women in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women. Although screening is a known cost-effective strategy for reducing its burden, uptake remains sub-optimal. This study was designed to determine environmental and psychosocial predictors to uptake of screening services among women in Gwagwalada area council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and 514 women aged ≥25 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data on socio-demography, knowledge, practice, and environmental/psychosocial barriers to screening was collected. Data analysis was done using IBM Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 23. Results: The mean age of respondents was 38.36±11.6years. 275(53.5%) had good knowledge while 239(46.5%) had poor knowledge about BC. Assessment of utilization of screening method showed that 115(22%) of respondents had ever conducted a Breast Self-Examination while 1(0.2%) had conducted a mammography. Poor access routes (aOR:0.29 (95% CI: 0.118-0.701)), high cost of screening (aOR:0.29 (95% CI: 0.133-0.620)) and long waiting hours (aOR:0.25 (95% CI: 0.107-0.567)) were identified environmental predictors. Fear of positive diagnosis (aOR:11.41 (95% CI: 3.157-41.270)), fear of being tagged promiscuous (aOR:0.07 (95% CI: 0.007-0.810)), deficiency in awareness programs (aOR:0.39 (95% CI: 0.160-0.960)) and not aware of screening age (aOR:0.29 (95% CI: 0.102 – 0.809)), were found to be psychosocial predictors of screening. Conclusion: Screening for breast cancer among women in Gwagwalada area council was influenced by environmental and psychosocial factors. Findings from this study points to a great need in increasing sensitization programs, screening sites and subsidizing cost of screening services.