ISSN: 2161-038X
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.