Wajiah, Mohd Khairul Hanan Mohd (2024) Breast cancer awareness and factors associated with breast screening uptake among women in Kelantan. Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
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Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge, both globally and in Malaysia. Late presentation of breast cancer often results in lower survival rates and higher mortality due to the advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection through screening methods is crucial for improving survival rates. Despite this, the breast screening uptake in Kelantan remains low. Objective: To investigate breast cancer awareness, perceived barriers to healthcare-seeking, breast screening uptake and factors associated with breast screening uptake among women in Kelantan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling to select 242 women in Kelantan between November 2023 and June 2024. The Breast Cancer Awareness Measure Malaysia (BCAM-M) questionnaire, which consists of 60 items across six domains: sociodemographic, awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms, awareness of risk factors, barriers to healthcare-seeking, breast self-examination practices, and breast screening uptake, was used for data collection. This study defined breast screening uptake as having ever undergone a clinical breast examination (CBE). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with breast screening uptake. Results: Of 242 participants, 59.5% (95% CI 53.28, 65.73) were aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms, 17.4% (95% CI 12.55, 22.16) were aware of age-related risks, and 22.7% (95% CI 17.41, 28.04) were aware of breast cancer risk factors. Perceived barriers to healthcare-seeking were reported by 10.3% of participants, and 80.2% resided within five kilometres of a healthcare facility. Additionally, 40.5% (95% CI 46.0, 51.0) practised BSE regularly, 60.3% (95% CI 54.12, 66.54) had undergone a CBE, and 25.9% (95% CI 17.79, 34.01) of women aged 40 years and above had undergone a mammogram. Factors significantly associated with breast screening uptake were being married (AOR 4.78; 95% CI 2.20, 10.40), being divorced (AOR 4.99; 95% CI 1.35, 18.50), healthcare-seeking within two months (AOR 3.68; 95% CI 1.98, 6.85), ever heard of CBE (AOR 7.41; 95% CI: 2.55, 21.54), and residing within five kilometres of a healthcare facility (AOR 2.39; 95% CI 1.17, 4.89). Conclusion: The findings help health sectors design tailored interventions for specific identified groups to increase breast cancer awareness and screening uptake. Implementing these targeted strategies could enhance early detection, higher survival rates, and reduce breast cancer mortality.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Breast cancer, Awareness |
| Subjects: | R Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC254-282 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer) |
| Divisions: | Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan (School of Medical Sciences) > Thesis |
| Depositing User: | Mr Abdul Hadi Mohammad |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jul 2025 07:06 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jul 2025 02:20 |
| URI: | http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/62600 |
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