Frontiers in Public Health (May 2022)

What Is the Current State of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Health and Non-health College Students

  • Md. Ashraful Islam,
  • Dhfer Mahdi AlShayban,
  • Zeb-un- Nisa,
  • Ghadeer Abdulwahab Mohammed Al-Hawaj,
  • Ghadeer Hani Ali Al-Eid,
  • Atheer Mohammed Moqbel Alenazi,
  • Zubda Malik,
  • Muhammad Bilal Maqsood,
  • Muhammad Bilal Maqsood,
  • Azfar Athar Ishaqui,
  • Azfar Athar Ishaqui,
  • Azfar Athar Ishaqui,
  • Zahida Akbar,
  • Zahida Akbar,
  • Zahida Akbar,
  • Zahida Akbar,
  • Muhammad Shahid Iqbal,
  • Mohammad Akbar Hossain,
  • Mohammed Alnuhait,
  • Abdul Haseeb

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.838579
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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ObjectiveTo document breast cancer (BC) knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health colleges.MethodsA 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health subject colleges affiliated to a public university. Convenience sampling was employed, and a previously validated questionnaire available in English and Arabic languages was used. Multiple linear regression was used to report the predictors of BC knowledge. A two-tailed p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The study was approved by an ethics committee.ResultsA total of 506 responses were analyzed. The mean knowledge score was 13.98 ± 4.1. The findings of the surveyed students suggested that more than 55% of the students had an acceptable level of knowledge. By education sector, approximately 70% and 40% of health and non-health college students, respectively, had an acceptable level of knowledge. The mean difference in knowledge scores between students of health and non-health colleges was significant (p < 0.001) as students at health colleges had a higher score. Age, college type and the presence of the disease in family/relatives were significant predictors of students' BC knowledge (p < 0.05).ConclusionBy comparing it with previous evidence, the knowledge of BC has improved. The role of awareness campaigns as an information medium for students from non-health backgrounds is greatly appreciated. Moreover, the internet and electronic media have emerged as new sources of information for non-health college students, and therefore, more efforts are needed to utilize this medium in empowering this student population in understanding of this disease.

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