Multifaceted barriers associated with clinical breast examination in sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analytical approach.
<h4>Objectives</h4>Clinical breast examination (CBE) open the pathway to early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. This study examined barriers to CBE uptake in seven sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.<h4>Methods</h4>Data from the most current Demographic and Health S...
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Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2025-01-01
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Series: | PLoS ONE |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316800 |
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Summary: | <h4>Objectives</h4>Clinical breast examination (CBE) open the pathway to early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. This study examined barriers to CBE uptake in seven sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.<h4>Methods</h4>Data from the most current Demographic and Health Surveys of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya Mozambique, Senegal and Tanzania was used. A weighted sample size of 65,486 women aged 25-49 years was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of CBE. We employed a multilevel logistic regression modelling technique, with results presented in adjusted odds ratios (aOR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).<h4>Results</h4>The pooled prevalence of CBE uptake in the studied SSA countries is low at 19.2% [95%CI: 18.5-19.8]. Screening uptake was significantly low among women reporting difficulty in getting permission (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82-0.95), and distance (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99), as well as those who reported financial constraints (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97), as barriers to access healthcare facilities. However, surprisingly, women who faced travel-alone barriers were 1.19 times (95%CI: 1.10-1.28) more likely to utilise CBE than those who did not face this barrier.<h4>Conclusions</h4>We conclude that barriers such as difficulties in obtaining permission, long distances to healthcare facilities, and financial constraints significantly reduce the likelihood of women undergoing CBE. The study underscores a need to improve access to healthcare facilities. Practically, this can be achieved by expanding mobile health services and integrating CBE into primary healthcare will help overcome distance-related challenges. Additionally, targeted outreach and transportation initiatives are necessary to support women facing travel barriers. |
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ISSN: | 1932-6203 |