Beliefs and attitudes about breast cancer and screening practices among Arab women living in Qatar: a cross-sectional study

摘要: Despite rising breast cancer incidence and mortality rates, screening (BCS) rates among women in Qatar remain low. Previous studies indicate the need to better understand many complex beliefs, values, attitudes that influence Arab women’s health seeking behavior for development of culturally appropriate effective intervention strategies address Middle East. This study investigates attitudes, BCS practices Arabic-speaking Qatar. A multicenter, cross-sectional quantitative survey 1,063 (87.5% response rate) female Qatari citizens non-Qatari residents, 35 years age or older, was conducted from March 2011 July 2011. Associations between beliefs practice were estimated using chi-square tests multivariate logistic regression analyses. Participants who adhered guidelines (BCS practice = Yes) compared those did not practice = No). In addition low levels awareness participation BCS, one quarter participants stated their doctors talked them about cancer, less than half interviewed believed can be prevented. Women engaged more likely have a doctor believe they good–excellent health, prevented, might hereditary. The majority wanted know if had felt care needs being met. main reasons given planning lack doctor’s recommendation, fear, embarrassment. These findings variety channels (health providers, media, survivors, community leaders) should utilized create programs increased benefits early detection cancer. Employment these measures will reduce living State