Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practice Towards Breast Cancer among General Practitioner Health Professionals in Morocco

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Oujda, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco

2 Department of epidemiology and public health, Faculty of Medicine, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco

3 Foundation Lalla Salma Prevention and Treatment of Cancers, Rabat, Morocco

4 Direction of Population, Ministry of health, Rabat, Morocco,

5 Directory of Epidemiology and Fight against Diseases (DELM), Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco

Abstract

 
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women in Morocco and its diagnosis is usually made at advanced stages. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, practices and attitudes of general practitioners regarding early detection of breast cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during July 2011 on a sample of 140 general practitioners employed in basic health care facilities. Results: The majority (85.7%) of general practitioners were aware of the existence of a ministerial circular which aimed to generalize breast cancer screening. Systematic practice of clinical breast examination was reported by 18.0% of doctors for every woman between 45 and 70 years and a systematic breast self-examination check-up was reported by 59.4% of physicians. Mammography was requested by 54.1% of physicians in the presence of risk factors. Females and physicians practicing in urban areas were less likely to have a knowledge, attitudes and practices score higher than 8 as compared to male physicians and those practicing in rural areas. Discussion and conclusion: Our study showed that the knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners regarding the early detection of breast cancer program were not satisfactory; hence the urgent need for improved implementation of the program in the affected regions.

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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 18, Issue 4
April 2017
Pages 963-968

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History

  • Receive Date: 09 December 2016
  • Revise Date: 27 March 2017
  • Accept Date: 18 May 2017

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