THE IMPACT OF BRE AST CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMMES AMONG WOMEN IN BIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the impact of breast cancer awareness programmes among women in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State.A quantitative survey design was implemented to gather data and investigate the research problems through the administration of structured Breast Cancer Awareness & Impact Questionnaire" (BCAIQ) to collect primary data from a population of 41,362 and a sample of 380 consisting of women of childbearing age residing in 14 different wards within the Bida local government area in Niger State. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample determination method was used to select the study's sample. Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation (PPMC) was used to quantify the level of correlation and the analysis of the data revealed a correlation coefficient of 82, indicating a strong positive correlation between the responses obtained during the two-time period. The findings from the analysis of study rrevealed that, most women in the Bida Local Government Area of Niger State have moderate knowledge about breast cancer. Conclusively, breast cancer awareness programs have a positive and significant impact on increasing the level of breast cancer awareness among women in Bida Local Government Area.The recommendations from the study are that it is crucial for all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to actively participate in enhancing breast cancer awareness efforts, dedicated breast cancer screening centre should be established, certain medications to be included in the coverage provided by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and, there is the need for the involvement of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in providing medication and financial support to patients.