The burden of breast and cervical cancer is increasing exponentially, especially among women in low- and mid-income countries. Early detection, hinged on screening uptake is a key to higher survival rate and managing cancer outcome. The present study assessed Nigerians and Egyptians’ knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) and breast and cervical cancer screening. A cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized to obtain 1,006 respondents via a convenient sampling method. The mean age of respondents was 30.43 ± 6.69. About one-third of participants had good knowledge (> 66%) of breast cancer screening (42%), cervical cancer screening (44%) and BSE practice (36%). Age range (26–40 years), educational level (tertiary), and marital status were demographic data that influenced knowledge level. The screening uptake among the studied population is very poor as only (11%) had ever been screened and only (2.2%) ever vaccinated. The major reasons for poor screening uptake were “no awareness of where to be screened” and “no symptoms”. Assessing the knowledge and uptake level of African women through studies like this is crucial in identifying the loopholes in the fight against cancer. More efforts are required for promoting the utilization of cancer screening services, HPV vaccination, and BSE practice among African women. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0303-3 Full Text: PDF

Background: The burden of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been on the rise since it was first reported in December 2019. COVID-19 has devastated global economy, public health, social interaction, and has claimed millions of lives globally within a few months. Due to the severe effect of some of the instituted guidelines on citizens and the economy, some of the policies in place to curtail the spread were receded. Hence, the present review aims to assess existing literature on the knowledge and adherence of Africans toward the COVID-19 preventive measures. Methods: Studies focused on Africans’ knowledge and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures were selected using Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Preprints that have not been peer-reviewed, reviews, and non-COVID-19 studies were excluded. Results: All selected studies showed a satisfactory knowledge of respondents about COVID-19 but poor level of adherence to the preventive measures. Good knowledge and satisfactory level of adherence was common mostly among the clinical health workers, highly educated, and those with higher professional qualification, while poor knowledge and poor practice was observed mostly among rural dwellers, people of poor educational background, and those unable to read and write. Conclusion: This review identified a relatively good knowledge about COVID-19 from all the studies, however, the level of adherence to preventive measures was poor. We recommend that the populace adhere to the laid guidelines to ensure the spread of the virus is curbed while also enhancing the eradication of the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, adherence, knowledge, preventive measures, Africa

Background: The burden of breast and cervical cancer is increasing exponentially, especially among women in low- and mid-income countries due to late diagnosis, unhealthy lifestyle choices and adoption of western lifestyles. Early detection, hinged on screening uptake is a key to higher survival rate and managing cancer outcome. Despite some improvement noticed in developed countries, the control of these preventable diseases in African countries including Nigeria and Egypt seems insurmountable. Therefore, this study focused on assessing the knowledge and uptake of Nigerians and Egyptians towards breast self-examination (BSE) and breast and cervical cancer screening. Results: A community-based cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized in both countries to obtain 1,006 respondents via a convenient sampling method. The mean age of study participants was 30.43 6.69. About one-third of participants had a good knowledge (> 66 %) of breast cancer screening (423, 42 %), cervical cancer screening (446, 44 %) and BSE practice (363, 36 %). Age range (26 40 years), educational level (tertiary) and marital status were demographic data that influenced knowledge level. Though with a fairly satisfactory knowledge level, the screening uptake among studied population is very poor as only (111, 11 %) had ever been screened and only (22, 2.2 %) ever vaccinated. The major reasons for poor screening uptake were no awareness of where to be screened and no symptoms. Conclusions: Assessing the knowledge and uptake level of African women through studies like this is crucial in identifying the loopholes in the fight against cancer in Africa. More efforts are required in promoting utilization of cancer screening services, HPV vaccination and BSE practice among African women. The media and internet should be leveraged on as they are the major sources of information about cancer among the respondents.

The burden of breast and cervical cancer in terms of incidence and mortality in low- and mid-income countries is increasing daily due to late diagnosis, unhealthy lifestyle choices, late presentation, and poor attitude to screening. Early detection increases the chances of survival. This present study assessed Assam women’s breast and cervical cancer screening (CCS) awareness, the practice of breast self-examination (BSE), and uptake of human papillomavirus vaccines. An internet-based cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized to obtain 251 consenting respondents. The mean age of respondents was 27.8 ± 6.91. Only 205 (81.7%) and 110 (43.8%) respondents have satisfactory levels of BCS, and CCS knowledge, respectively. While only 76 (30.3%) respondents had satisfactory BSE practice. Age range (26 – 32 years), tertiary education, and being single were demographic characteristics that influenced knowledge and practice. Though the respondents had a satisfactory knowledge level, screening uptake among respondents is very poor as only 32 (12.7 %) had ever been screened and only 19 (7.6 %) ever been vaccinated. The major reasons for poor screening uptake were “no symptoms” and “not aware of screening location”. Most respondents (227, 90.4 %) are willing to go for screening if well oriented. This presents an opportunity to enhance awareness about screening and vaccination among Assam women. The media/internet and health practitioners can be leveraged to promote the uptake and utilization of screening services and BSE practice. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0304-5 Full Text: PDF