Knowledge of Risk Factors and Early Detection Signs of Breast Cancer by Students at Nursing and Midwifery Training Institute (IFSIO) in Parakou (Benin)

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Objective: Assess the knowledge level of risk factors and warning signs of breast cancer among students of the Nursing and Midwifery Training Institute (IFSIO) at Parakou in 2016. Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted from February 6 to February 20, 2016 on the first and second year students of IFSIO of Parakou, who have not yet received courses of breast cancer. Results: The participation and completeness rate was 76.08% (159 students). There were 85 male students and 74 female students, a sex ratio of 1.15. The average age of the students was 20.01 ± 2.02 years. Student sex was not associated with knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer (p=0.223) and knowledge of early warning signs of breast cancer (p=0.127). Sixteen percent (16%) of the students knew at least 4 breast cancer risk factors. Obesity, delay in first pregnancy, infertility and age were recognized as breast cancer risk factors, respectively by 26.42%, 30.82%, 37.11%, 37.74% of students. Few students (36.48%) knew at least half of the breast cancer warning signs. The main sources of information were the media (television and radio: 73.58%) and health workers (52.83%). Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for awareness of the students of Parakou on knowledge of risk factors and breast cancer warning signs.