Avita Rose Johnson; Mitchell Singstock; Cency Baburajan; Suchitra Bajaj; Sulekha Thimmaiah
Abstract
Background: The low breast cancer survivorship in India compared to developed countries has been found to be attributed to late detection. Breast self-examination (BSE) still remains a viable screening option among poor and marginalised communities. We conducted the present study to determine breast ...
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Background: The low breast cancer survivorship in India compared to developed countries has been found to be attributed to late detection. Breast self-examination (BSE) still remains a viable screening option among poor and marginalised communities. We conducted the present study to determine breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE and their determinants among urban underprivileged women.Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study in an urban underprivileged area in Bangalore city in early 2020, among women aged 25 years or more. Our sample size was estimated as 714 subjects. The interview schedule included Breast Cancer Awareness Measure We employed chi-square test for associations and logistic regression analysis for adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Out of the 751 women, 60.3% were not aware of any symptoms and 61.1% were not aware of any risk factors of breast cancer. Only 6% had heard of BSE and 3.4% reported performing BSE in the past year. The practice of BSE was found to be more prevalent among women who were aware of at least one symptom [OR=6.8(2.5-18.2), p <0.001] or one risk factor [OR=12.9(3.9- 43.6), p <0.001] of breast cancer and among those with past attendance at a breast cancer screening camp [OR=31.4(13.3-74.1),p <0.001].Conclusion: Poor awareness concerning breast cancer and woefully inadequate practice of BSE among urban underprivileged women highlights the requirement for targeted interventions in such communities. The importance of awareness of breast cancer as a precursor to practice BSE was evident in our study, which emphasizes the need for increased access to quality and credible health information. This study emphasizes the importance of community-based programming, like breast cancer screening camps, in order to improve practice of BSE.
Sulekha T; Niresh Chandran; Avita Rose Johnson
Abstract
Background: Birth-preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an evidence-based strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding BPCR and the associated factors among rural women in south Karnataka. Methods: In this cross-sectional ...
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Background: Birth-preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an evidence-based strategy for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding BPCR and the associated factors among rural women in south Karnataka. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 mothers who had delivered in the previous year were randomly selected from 17 villages near Bangalore, south India and interviewed using the JHPIEGO BPCR Tools and Indicators for Maternal and Newborn Health from 2016 to 2017. The association between various exposure variables and knowledge and practice of BPCR was investigated with Chi-square test and Fischer’s exact test; a P value of Results: The proportion of women with adequate knowledge and practice of BPCR was 8% and 38%, respectively. All women identified a health facility for delivery, 73% arranged advance emergency transport, 50% saved money; however, only 4% identified a potential blood donor in spite of 88% being aware of their blood group. Though severe bleeding was a commonly stated danger sign, prior arrangement for blood was not practiced. This issue is of public health importance as haemorrhage continues to be one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of BPCR among rural women who had delivered in the previous year were low. Knowledge and practice of BPCR were associated with higher maternal education and higher socio-economic status. It is recommended that pregnant women and their families receive information regarding BPCR during routine antenatal visits and during home visits from village level workers.
