Awareness about Female Cancers among Healthcare Workers and School teachers in Tobruk City: A KAP study

  • Ahmed Salem Assistant lecturer -Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of medicine, university of Tobruk, Libya
  • Faraj Saber Assistant professor - Department of community medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, ElBeyda
Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, cancer cervix, Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Abstract

Background: Female cancers, such as breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers, are major global health issues due to their prevalence and the challenges in early detection and treatment, particularly in developing regions. This study investigates the awareness and attitudes towards female cancers among healthcare workers and schoolteachers in Tobruk City, Libya, with a focus on how literacy affects cervical cancer screening rates.

Methods: A cross-sectional KAP descriptive study was conducted among working women in Tobruk using a pretested close-ended self-administered questionnaire in January 2024.

Results: Significant differences in cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice were observed between healthcare workers and schoolteachers. Healthcare workers had a higher awareness that obesity increases breast cancer risk (71% vs. 45%). Both groups showed a good understanding of the hereditary nature and mortality risk of breast cancer. Positive attitudes towards cancer prevention were common, yet actual preventive practices, such as HPV vaccination and monthly breast self-examinations, were low across all groups.

Conclusion: The level of cancer awareness was fairly good among working women. which reflected their educational status. Attitude and practice varied among the different occupations which did not correlate to educational level.

Ethical Consideration: The others assert that all procedures contributing to this work comply with the ethical standards of the endorsement of the research center of the university.

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Published
2024-11-22
How to Cite
Salem, A., & Saber, F. (2024). Awareness about Female Cancers among Healthcare Workers and School teachers in Tobruk City: A KAP study. GPH-International Journal of Biological & Medicine Science, 7(10), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14205506