Perceived risk and risk reduction behaviours of female first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients attending care at Uganda cancer institute

Provia Ainembabazi, Derrick Bary Abila, Grace Manyangwa, Godwin Anguzu, Joseph Musaazi, Innocent Mutyaba, Charles Peter Osingada, Amos Deogratius Mwaka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the perceived risk of breast cancer (BC) and adoption of risk reduction behaviours among female first-degree relatives (FDRs) of BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire to collect data between March to October 2019. Adult female FDRs of patients attending care at UCI were recruited consecutively. Breast cancer perceived risk was assessed using a verbal measure; ‘My chances of getting BC are great’ on a Likert scale with 5 response alternatives. Chi square tests and modified Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations model were used to determine associations and examine factors associated with perceived risk of BC. Results: We enrolled 296 FDRs from 186 female BC patients. Few participants 118/296 (40%) had high perceived risk of BC. Majority 165/296 (56%), had ever practiced breast self-examination. At the multivariable modified Poisson GEE model, women aged 36–45 years were more likely to perceive themselves to be at high risk of developing BC compared to women aged 18–25 years (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.174; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.05–2.88; p value = 0.030) after adjusting for age, religion, educational level and residence. Conclusion: Few FDRs of BC patients perceived themselves to be at high risk of developing BC and do not seek risk reduction measures including screening and early diagnosis approaches. Breast cancer health education especially targeting younger women should emphasize the increased risk of BC in FDRs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)34-41
Number of pages8
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • behaviours
  • breast
  • cancer
  • female
  • first-degree
  • oncology
  • perception
  • psycho-Oncology
  • relatives
  • risk

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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