A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BREAST CANCER KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN EDUCATED AND UNEDUCATED FEMALES AGED 18-50 YEARS IN A COMMUNITY SETTING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1252Keywords:
Breast cancer, Knowledge, Educated females, Uneducated females, Community setting, AwarenessAbstract
Background: Breast cancer remains a major public health concern and contributes significantly to illness and death among women across the world. Early detection and prevention largely depend on awareness and knowledge regarding risk factors, warning signs, and screening methods. Educational status plays a significant role in influencing health awareness. Therefore, assessing differences in breast cancer knowledge among women with different educational backgrounds is essential.
Objective: To compare breast cancer knowledge among educated and uneducated females aged 18–50 years in a community setting.
Methods: A quantitative, comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Haji Hoth Chandio, District Tando Muhammad Khan, and Sindh. The total population consisted of 76 eligible females, out of which 64 participants were selected using simple random sampling. The sample included 32 educated and 32 uneducated females. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adopted from a previously validated study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The findings indicated that educated females demonstrated a higher level of knowledge regarding breast cancer compared to uneducated females. Educated participants showed better awareness of breast cancer risk factors, early warning signs, and screening methods such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination. In contrast, uneducated females had comparatively lower awareness regarding these aspects. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between educational status and knowledge of breast cancer.
Conclusion: The study concluded that educational status significantly influences breast cancer knowledge among females aged 18–50 years. Educated females had better awareness compared to uneducated females.
Recommendations: Community-based health education programs should particularly target uneducated women to improve awareness and promote early detection practices.
