Influence of Information Sources on Women’s Behavioural Practice towards Breast Cancer in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The global burden of breast cancer is increasing with an effect on the physical, mental and socio-economic wellbeing of the human population. Existing studies have majorly focused on the prevalent rate and clinical analysis of the disease, to the neglect of the nexus of information sources and breast cancer behaviours. This study examined the influence of information sources on perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived barrier of women towards breast cancer and breast self-examination in Lagos state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was employed in eliciting information from 400 women respondents randomly selected through the multistage sampling technique method. The study revealed that Internet-related channels of communication had a greater influence on susceptibility and severity perceptions of women. On the perceived barrier of women towards breast self-examination, the majority were influenced by interpersonal networks of communication (friends and relatives). Based on the findings, this study concludes that information sources play a pivotal role in the breast cancer beliefs and behavioural practices towards breast self-examination among women in Lagos state, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that a national communication policy that will incorporate the use of information sources to strategically influence the beliefs and behavioural practices of women towards breast cancer management in Nigeria be developed.