Determinants of Breast Cancer Screening among Nuns in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi

Abstract

Breast cancer is a significant global challenge. According to WHO, the risk of breast cancer among nuns is high due to the basis of nulliparity. Among the effective approaches to addressing breast cancer is early screening. However, there are concerns over the uptake of screening across all populations, including nuns. The aim of this study is to assess the determinants of breast cancer screening among nuns in the catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi. This research used the analytical cross-sectional design with qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population was 384 nuns of reproductive age (18-49 years). The data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The questionnaire comprises of closed and open-ended questions. The data analysis was done through descriptive statistics to report participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Chi-square and binary and Multivariate logistic regression were used to determine association between social economic factors and BCS. Thematic analysis was used for the interviews, which were recorded and transcribed. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of breast cancer screening among nuns was 30.7%. The findings established that those who had knowledge on breast cancer screening (AOR =25.52, 95%CI: 8.87 – 73.45, p<0.001) and those who had congregational financial support (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.68 – 5.74, p=0.021) were more likely to undergo breast cancer screening. Those who had hospital check-up in more than six months prior to the study (AOR =0.001, 95%CI: 0.000 – 0.008, p<0.001) and those who never had a hospital check-up, (AOR =0.001, 95%CI: 0.000 – 0.006, p<0.001) were less likely to undergo breast cancer screening. Also, the present study revealed that awareness on breast cancer, experiences with breast cancer screening, barriers and facilitators were major themes identified defining perception and lived experiences among nuns. In conclusion, the study showed low uptake of breast cancer screening. Knowledge on breast cancer screening access to congregational support and hospital check-up were associated with breast cancer screening. Therefore, there is need to create awareness and educated the nuns through aggressive education campaign programs so as to eliminate misconceptions relating to the breast cancer screening. There also need to integrate free access to screening services in the government health institutions for nuns.