Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the General Population Toward Breast Cancer and Its Prevention in Burkina Faso: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: this study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of the general population of the two main cities of Burkina Faso toward breast cancer and its prevention. Methods: this was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in two cities from February to August 2023. Data on randomly selected household representatives were collected through an electronic questionnaire. All variables were described and KAP score were calculated. Factors determining respondents’ knowledge and attitude-practices were identified using multivariate logistic regressions. Results: of 574 contacted households, 549 respondents completed the questionnaire (response rate 95.6%); 70.1% were female (n=385). The median global knowledge score was 4/5; 336 (61.2%) respondents had a good knowledge score. Among women (n=385), 279 (72.5%) had adequate prevention‑related attitudes and practices. Multivariable analysis showed that higher education (adjusted Odd Ratio [a OR] 2.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59–5.00), receiving information from a health worker (a OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.76–5.01), and frequent exposure to television/radio (a OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.05–2.17) were independently associated with good knowledge. Among women, good global knowledge was associated with adequate attitudes‑practices (a OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.23–3.15); higher education was also associated with adequate attitudes‑practices (a OR 4.31; 95% CI 1.70–12.70). Conclusion: good knowledge of breast cancer and receiving information from health workers and mass media were associated with better prevention attitudes and practices. Strengthening health worker‑led education and mass media campaigns may improve breast cancer prevention behaviors in Burkina Faso.