Moderating Role of Demographic Characteristics in Breast Cancer Awareness and the Behavioural Disposition of Women in Ogun State, Nigeria

Tolulope Abiola Allo; David Imhonopi; Emmanuel O. Amoo; Tunde C. Iruonagbe; Ajibade E. Jegede; Lady A. Ajayi; Faith O. Olanrewaju; Paula M. Ajayi; Adebanke Olawole-Isaac

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.671

Authors

Tolulope Abiola Allo Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
David Imhonopi Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Emmanuel O. Amoo Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Tunde C. Iruonagbe Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Ajibade E. Jegede Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Lady A. Ajayi Department of Political Science and International relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Faith O. Olanrewaju Department of Political Science and International relations, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Paula M. Ajayi Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
Adebanke Olawole-Isaac Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.671

Keywords:

Breast cancer, Behavioural disposition, Nigeria, Women, Awareness

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence is fast increasing, posing a significant threat to the health of women of all races globally. In Nigeria, breast cancer causes the most cancer-related deaths among women each year as a result of inadequate awareness.

AIM: This study is aimed at examining the moderating role of demographic characteristics in facilitating breast cancer awareness among women, and how it relates to their behavioural disposition to the disease.

METHODS: The study adopted the descriptive (survey) and cross-sectional research designs to elicit information from women of adult age selected across five Local Government Areas in Ogun state. The data, collected through questionnaire were analysed through the use of a variance-based SEM Partial Least Square (PLS).

RESULTS: The result shows that demographic characteristics (age and education) has a significant positive effect and jointly explain 74.9% of the variance in the breast cancer awareness and behavioural disposition among women in the study area. The findings revealed that a significant number of women with breast cancer had not acquired useful knowledge that could potentially be used to diagnose, prevent, and manage the disease. Unfortunately, the practice of Breast Self-Examination is grossly low among Nigerian women, as a consequence, only 20-30% of the women in study areas, including professionals, are aware of the benefits of BSE and only a smaller percentage practice BSE.

CONCLUSION: There is, therefore, a need to educate women on the benefits of this simple life-saving procedure through the consistent use of media platforms.