Distribution and predictors associated with the use of breast cancer screening services among women in 14 low-resource countries

Abstract

Background Breast cancer is one of the leading public health problem globally, especially in low-resource countries (LRCs). Breast cancer screening (BCS) services are an effective strategy for early determining of breast cancer. Hence, it is imperative to understand the utilisation of BCS services and their correlated predictors in LRCs. This study aims to determine the distribution of predictors that significantly influence the utilisation of BCS services among women in LRCs. Methods The present study used data on 140,974 women aged 40 years or over from 14 LRCs. The data came from country Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) between 2008 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the significant predictors that influence the use of BCS services. Results The utilisation of BCS services was 15.41%, varying from 81.10% (95% CI: 76.85–84.73%) in one European country, to 18.61% (95% CI: 18.16 to 19.06%) in Asian countries, 14.30% (95% CI: 13.67–14.96%) in American countries, and 14.29% (95% CI: 13.87–14.74%). Factors that were significantly associated to increase the use of BCS services include a higher level of education (OR = 2.48), advanced age at first birth (> 25 years) (OR = 1.65), female-headed households (OR = 1.65), access to mass media communication (OR = 1.84), health insurance coverage (OR = 1.09), urban residence (OR = 1.20) and highest socio-economic status (OR = 2.01). However, obese women shown a significantly 11% (OR = 0.89) lower use of BSC services compared to health weight women. Conclusion The utilisation of BCS services is low in many LRCs. The findings of this study will assist policymakers in identifying the factors that influence the use of BCS services. To increase the national BCS rate, more attention should be essential to under-represented clusters; in particular women who have a poor socioeconomic clusters, live in a rural community, have limited access to mass media communication, and are have a low level educational background. These factors highlight the necessity for a new country-specific emphasis of promotional campaigns, health education, and policy targeting these underrepresented groups in LRCs.

Mapping evidence on knowledge of breast cancer screening and its uptake among women in Ghana: a scoping review

“…The prominent enabling factors include good knowledge of BCS, high education level, increasing age, physician recommendation, etc. This finding is in line with a recent study conducted in 14 low-resource countries where a higher educational level of women was found to be associated with the uptake of BCS [ 47 ]. Women with high education are more aware of health complications and adverse effects of diseases and, therefore, have regular medical check-ups as preventive measures, including BCS services.…”

“…We observed that women’s household monthly income or good socioeconomic status was a predictor of women undergoing BCS services. This finding is congruent with a study conducted in low and middle-income countries where women in the wealthier quintile were more likely to undergo BCS services than the poor [ 47 ]. Therefore, the conclusion that women with the wealthiest economic status are significantly more likely to utilize BCS services in low-resource countries also aligns with previous findings [ 47 – 49 ].…”

“…This finding is congruent with a study conducted in low and middle-income countries where women in the wealthier quintile were more likely to undergo BCS services than the poor [ 47 ]. Therefore, the conclusion that women with the wealthiest economic status are significantly more likely to utilize BCS services in low-resource countries also aligns with previous findings [ 47 – 49 ]. Physicians’ recommendations were also identified as an important factor for women utilizing BCS.…”

Knowledge, awareness, attitudes and screening practices towards breast and cervical cancer among women in Nepal: a scoping review

“…A meta-analysis conducted by Kassie et al (2020) estimated that the uptake of CCS among women in Ethiopia was 8% and knowledge of CC was significantly associated with the utilisation of CCS. A review of the uptake of BC screening in low-resource countries found that utilisation of BC screening in Asian countries was 19% (Mahumud et al 2020). Factors increasing uptake of BC screening were higher education levels, older age at first birth (i.e.…”

3D Tumor Models for Breast Cancer: Whither We Are and What We Need

“…The age for onset of cancer in women in developing countries is decreasing, and the cancers in younger women are more aggressive . Earlier onset could partly be explained by increased awareness, improved breast cancer screening services, and advanced mammography techniques to detect lesions in the breast. , Noninvasive and locally restricted primary tumor is treatable and has a good prognosis. Breast cancer metastasis, common to the lungs, liver, and brain, cripples their functions and leads to mortality .…”