Moderating Role of Demographic Characteristics in Breast Cancer
Awareness and the Behavioural Disposition of Women in Ogun State,
Nigeria
Abstract
This study is aimed at examining the moderating role of demographic
characteristics in facilitating breast cancer awareness among women in
relation to their behavioural disposition to the disease. The study
adopted the descriptive (survey) and cross-sectional research designs to
elicit information from women of adult age selected across five Local
Government Areas in Ogun state. The data, collected through
questionnaire were analysed through the use of a variance-based SEM
Partial Least Square (PLS). The result shows that demographic
characteristics (age and education) had a positive significant effect
and jointly explain 74.9% of the variance in the breast cancer
awareness and behavioural disposition among women in the study area. The
findings revealed that a significant number of women with breast cancer
have not acquired useful knowledge that could potentially be used to
diagnose, prevent, and manage the disease. Unfortunately, the practice
of Breast Self-Examination is grossly low among Nigerian women, as a
consequence, only 20-30% of the women in study areas, including
professionals know of the benefits of BSE and only a smaller percentage
practice BSE. There is therefore a need to educate women on the benefits
of this simple life saving procedure through the consistent use of media
platforms.