Knowledge of early signs and risk factors, and attitude towards breast cancer among women in Dodoma, Tanzania: a community-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Improvement of knowledge and attitude helps to improve the prevention of breast cancer (BC).

AIM: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of early signs and risk factors, and attitude toward BC.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Dodoma city, Tanzania among women aged ≥18 years. Mean values were used as cutoff points for adequate knowledge and positive attitude. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the predictors of knowledge and attitude. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 354 women were analyzed. Having 35-49 years was associated with increased chance of having adequate knowledge of early signs and risk factors for BC compared to having ≥50 years of age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.87-5.09, p = 0.040) and positive attitude toward BC (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.14-7.27, p = 0.040). Having secondary education had a reduced chance of having adequate knowledge compared to having a tertiary level of education (AOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.14-0.97, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

This study has shown a moderately low level of adequate knowledge of early signs and risk factors for BC. Also, younger age was associated with adequate knowledge and positive attitude toward BC.