Knowledge and practice of doctors and nurses regarding early detection of breast cancer

• Published in: Revista brasileira em promoção da saúde = Brazilian journal in health promotion Vol. 29; no. 2; p. 153
• Main Authors: Adriane Pires Batiston, Arianne Tiemi Jyoboji Moraes, Arnez, Aryne, Mara Lisiane de Moraes dos Santos, Leila Simone Foerster Merey, Almeida de Medeiros, Arthur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fortaleza Universidade de Fortaleza - Centro de Ciências da Saúde 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Cancer; Mammography; Nurses; Physicians; Statistical tests
• ISSN: 1806-1222; 1806-1230
• DOI: 10.5020/18061230.2016.p153

Objective: To compare the self-reported knowledge and practice of doctors and nurses of the Family Health Strategy regarding early detection of breast cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in the municipality of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, with doctors and nurses of the Family Health Strategy between 2011 and 2012. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic variables and knowledge and practice regarding early detection of breast cancer. The assessment of the association between the professional class and the other variables was performed using the Chi-squared test with a significance level of 5%. Results: 109 professionals were interviewed: 49.5% (n=54) were doctors and 50.5% (n=55) were nurses. Of these, 72.2% (n=39) of the doctors and 89.1% (n=48) of the nurses had received training on breast cancer. As for the most indicated exam for early detection of breast cancer, there was significant difference regarding mammography (p<0.001), which was indicated by 50% (n=50) of the doctors and 13.2% (n=7) of the nurses. Conclusion: There were significant differences both in the knowledge and in the practice regarding the actions for early detection of breast cancer between doctors and nurses working in the FHS. Doctors presented greater knowledge of mammography as the most adequate method for the detection of BC in its earliest stages when compared to nurses. Regarding the practice, the CBE is performed less than expected by both doctors and nurses.