MGHD 2018

Background: Breast cancer is a principal cause of cancer related deaths in women worldwide including Rwanda. Excellent knowledge, attitude and practices of breast cancer will help to reduce the number of women who present at late stages of the disease when little or no benefit can be obtained from any form of treatment. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about breast cancer among nurses and midwives within the Kibogora hospital and its health centers. Methods and Subjects: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to May 2018 among a random sample of 114 nurses and midwives at Kibogora Hospital and its Health Centers in Rural Rwanda. A structured and pretested questionnaire, which was self - administered, was used for data collection. 114 participants completed and returned questionnaires. Results: Study results have shown that there were more respondents in the 31-40 years (53; 46%). The mean age was 37.3 (SD=8.1, range: 23-57) years. Eighty-three (73%) were females while 31 (27%) were males. 73 (64%) worked at hospital while 39 (34%) worked at health center. 88 (77.7%) were married, 22 (19%) were single, 2 (2%) were divorced, 1 (1%) was widowed. Ninety-four (82%) of respondents had high education (University); 18 (16%) had secondary education level and 2(2%) were missing. There were more respondents in the 0-10 years (56; 49%) age ranges of working experience. The overall percentage of breast cancer knowledge was 65.57%. The knowledge of breast cancer signs/symptoms, risk factors and general knowledge were 77.28%, 49.92% and 77.33 %respectively. 43.78% were considered having good attitude. 23.14% were considered having satisfactory attitude. 12.57%) were considered having low attitude. Formal education (60; 41%) was the first source of information followed by Healthcare providers (43; 29%), Majority of participants responded that BSE had to be started at 15 years old (57; 50%). Fifty-six (56; 49.1%) responded that BSE has to be done daily. Seventy participants (70; 61%) did BSE, while forty-four (44; 39%) did not. The study revealed satisfactory knowledge of breast cancer symptoms but poor knowledge of risk factors and low levels of breast cancer screening practices among nurses and midwives who participated. More than half had good and satisfactory attitude. Nurses and midwives at Kibogora Hospital and its health centers in this study were not well informed about breast cancer despite their important role in breast cancer awareness for their clients. Researcher recommended a greater focus on breast cancer education program to improve the knowledge about breast cancer, change misconceptions about risk factors and improve the attitude towards breast cancer.