Ben El-Fakir Malika, Aimrane Abdelmohcine, Laaradia Mehdi Ait, Ait Taleb Khalid, Issaoune Mohamed Omar, Lahouaoui Hasna, El Khiat Abdelaati, El-Mansoury Bilal, Kahime Kholoud, Elmourid Abdessamad, Ait-El-Mokhtar Mohamed, El Hidan Moulay Abdelmonaim
Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Natural Resources Valorisation, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Zohr, Ait Melloul 80000, Morocco.
Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco.
Epidemiologia (Basel). 2024 Jul 16;5(3):385-401. doi: 10.3390/epidemiologia5030028.
Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.
乳腺癌是全球及摩洛哥的一个紧迫的公共卫生问题，女性病例呈上升趋势。本研究旨在评估女大学生对乳腺癌的认知及自我检查行为，为未来的教育干预提供依据。一项横断面研究对阿加迪尔伊本·祖赫尔大学的437名学生进行了调查，使用了一份涵盖人口统计学、乳腺癌知识、风险因素、症状及乳房自我检查（BSE）的问卷。结果显示，对乳腺癌的认知度较高（95.3%），社交网络和媒体是主要信息来源。然而，只有48.25%的人具备中等知识水平，乳房自我检查的知晓率为中等（60.8%），实际操作技能较低（28.0%）。不进行乳房自我检查的原因包括知识缺乏和不适感。在知识水平与年龄、学习年份、专业选择及信息来源之间发现了显著关联。尽管认知度较高，但摩洛哥年轻女性对乳腺癌风险因素、症状及乳房自我检查行为的了解仍亟需加强。针对大学生的教育项目对于促进早期发现及改善对乳房健康的态度至关重要。
