Predictors of breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: Evidence from DHS 2022
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Background
Breast cancer is a global concern, registering 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths in 2020, with projections reaching 4.4 million cases by 2070. In Tanzania, it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, often diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes. Only 5% of women in the country report undergoing breast cancer screening, the aim study is to determine factors associated with breast cancer screening in Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional study among women of reproductive age in Tanzania, utilizing data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). We used available data on breast cancer screening the DHS. The outcome of the study was breast cancer screening. To find independent variables associated with breast cancer screening, logistic regression was used.
Results
After controlling for other factors, the following factors remained significantly associated with breast cancer screening among women of reproductive age; age(AOR=5.33, 95% CI 3.72, 7.63), being wealthy (AOR=2.34, 95% CI 1.61, 3.38), residing in rural(AOR= 0.59, 95% CI 0.46, 0.763), being educated(AOR=2.43, 95% CI 1.60, 3.68), being insured(AOR= 2.40, 95% CI 1.89, 3.06), healthcare facility visits in the past 12 months(AOR=1.43, 95% CI 1.14, 1.78) and living in Northern zone(AOR= 2.43, 95% CI 1.42, 4.15) compared to western zone
Conclusion
Breast cancer screening is still under-utilized and have shown to be marginalized in women of reproductive age. Policies to address disparities, comprehensive health education and awareness campaigns are instrumental to increase utilization and reduction of burden of breast cancers in Tanzania
