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Year of Publication
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Publication Type
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide, with high mortality rates in
low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria due to late-stage diagnosis and limited
awareness. Mammography is a crucial screening tool for early detection, yet its utilization
remains low among Nigerian women. This study assesses the level of awareness of the
importance of mammography screening among female staff at the University of Benin, exploring the relationship between socio-demographic factors and screening uptake. A
descriptive design was employed, utilizing the Health Belief Model as a theoretical
framework. Data were collected from 306 female staff members through a structured
questionnaire adapted from the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale. The findings reveal
significant gaps in awareness and misconceptions about mammography, with over 50% of
respondents unaware of its purpose. Socio-demographic factors, including age, education, and employment status, were found to influence awareness and utilization. Key barriers
identified include fear of diagnosis, cost, cultural beliefs, and lack of time. The study
highlights the urgent need for targeted educational campaigns and policy interventions to
improve breast cancer screening uptake. These findings contribute valuable insights for
public health strategies aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among Nigerian women. KEY WORDS: Mammography, Screening, Awareness, Utilization.
low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria due to late-stage diagnosis and limited
awareness. Mammography is a crucial screening tool for early detection, yet its utilization
remains low among Nigerian women. This study assesses the level of awareness of the
importance of mammography screening among female staff at the University of Benin, exploring the relationship between socio-demographic factors and screening uptake. A
descriptive design was employed, utilizing the Health Belief Model as a theoretical
framework. Data were collected from 306 female staff members through a structured
questionnaire adapted from the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale. The findings reveal
significant gaps in awareness and misconceptions about mammography, with over 50% of
respondents unaware of its purpose. Socio-demographic factors, including age, education, and employment status, were found to influence awareness and utilization. Key barriers
identified include fear of diagnosis, cost, cultural beliefs, and lack of time. The study
highlights the urgent need for targeted educational campaigns and policy interventions to
improve breast cancer screening uptake. These findings contribute valuable insights for
public health strategies aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality among Nigerian women. KEY WORDS: Mammography, Screening, Awareness, Utilization.
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