Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Care Professionals as Regards Breast Cancer in the Municipality of Parakou (Benin) in 2015

Achille OAA, Salifou K, Hounkponou AF, Sidi RI, Vodouhe M, Garba SAB, Hounkpatin BIB and Perrin RX

Introduction: In Africa and developing countries, breast cancer is the 2nd cancer after cervical one.
Objectives: To study knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care professionals as regards breast cancer.
Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study with a prospective data collection and a descriptive purpose. The study was conducted from 05 August to 05 October 2015, that is to say a period of two years.
Results: Health care professionals (n=281) were mostly insufficiently informed about breast cancer and diagnosis methods. The study revealed that 12.46% of the surveyed had accurate knowledge of risk factors and family history of breast cancer was the most cited. For some of them (55.36%), breast cancer screening is poorly organized in Benin. Systematic practice of clinical examination of breasts was reported by 50.18% of the surveyed. Mammography was requested by only 48.1% of the surveyed in case of warning signs. 97.50% of the surveyed reported that the women admitted for consultation were systematically advised to perform breast self-examination. The average KAP score was 5.81 ± 1.75. In total 101 (35.94%) agents totaled a score ≥ 7 and 180 (64.06%) had a score under 7.
Conclusion: These results suggest the need for continuing education of health care professionals.