Perception, attitude and practice of cancer screening amongst female doctors and nurses in Enugu

Abstract

Aim and Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Enugu female medical doctors and nurses to cancer screening. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 156 female doctors and nurses was carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital making use of a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: The ages of the respondents ranged from 20 to 59 years (mean = 36.4 with standard deviation 9.7). One hundred and fifty three (98.1%) were aware of cancer screening and 87.2% had correct knowledge of cancers routinely screened for in women. Professional training was the commonest source of information. Regular cancer screening was considered essential by 64.1% of the respondents; 20(12.8%) had ever practiced cancer self-screening. Five (3.2%) had undergone self-screening in the previous year. Professional training, marital status, advancing age and long service in the teaching hospital significantly improved the conduct of cancer self-screening. Conclusion: As the prevalence of the practice of cancer self-screening by female doctors and nurses at UNTH Enugu was very low, retraining, mobilization and persistent counseling through a well-articulated and funded National Cancer Control Programme, are suggested.

Keywords

• attitude
• practice
• cancer screening