Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Practices Among Women of Reproductive Age in Bahi District, Tanzania
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Date
2019-06
Authors
Mpali, Adela Maria
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study was set to assess the breast cancer prevention and treatment practices among women of reproductive age (15-49yrs) in Bahi Division in Tanzania. It has been observed by research that lack of information of the breast cancer sickness has been a big problem in rural communities in Tanzania. This is attributed to the influence of socio-cultural factors like beliefs and practices such sickness is caused by witchcraft and evil spirits. Despite of the fact that the government of Tanzania has tried to come up with strategies to mitigate the prevalence of breast cancer among women of reproductive age more has to be done by people themselves by changing the beliefs that the disease is a curse. The study is guided by the objective to investigate breast cancer prevention and treatment practices among women of reproductive age in Bahi Division, Tanzania. The study employed cross-sectional survey design utilizing random sampling method to sample study participants. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were considered in the study. The target population for the study was all the 9600 people which includes reproductive age (15-49) women and community health workers and community extension workers in four community units in Bahi Division. The researcher sampled 370 respondents through Fisher’s model. The data was collected by the use of administered questionnaires as the research instruments. The instrument was validated to check their consistency and reliability by consulting research experts and guidance from the supervisors. A total of 361 questionnaires met the threshold and the data obtained was analyzed using descriptive analysis and results presented in charts, tables, graphs and other relevant statistical presentations. The findings revealed that 51% of the respondents were aware of the disease and that there was a significant level of awareness about both breast cancer programs and breast examinations targeting women of reproductive ages in the area. The study also found that 49.7% of socio-cultural factors had a significant effect on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer disease in the area. The study established that 52.7% of respondents affirmed that there were considerable measures put in place to address breast cancer issues in the area.
Description
A Thesis Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Health (Reproductive Health) of Kenyatta University, June, 2019