Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer accounting for 24.5% of Omani female cancer. Early detection of BC through regular breast cancer screening (BCS) has been found to decrease mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify knowledge, attitudes and barriers of Omani women toward BCS.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Omani women attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH).
Results: A total of 358 Omani women participated from 420 invited (response rate = 85.2%). Most women (92.1%) thought that BC could be cured if detected early, but less than half (46.8%) thought that they were at risk of BC if a relative had BC. The majority (81.1%) were aware that BCS was available in Oman, though less than half (48.5%) knew where to go for BCS and most (83.8%) had not undergone BCS before. The most common personal-related barriers to BCS were fear of BC diagnosis (40.8%), fear of treatment (52.1%) and embarrassment of the breast examination (46.6%). The most perceived system-related barriers to BCS were the concern over the availability of a male doctor (46.6%) or a non-Arabic speaking doctor (38.7%) and not recommended by the doctor (46.3%). Univariate binary logistic regression showed that attitudes toward BCS were influenced by their previous experiences of BCS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-4.41) and their willingness to participate in the future BCS [OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.14-3.37).
Conclusion: Although Omani women showed an interest toward BCS, few had undergone BCS. Several cultural, practical and personal-related barriers were noted to interfere with BCS in Oman. Addressing these concerns through involving healthcare providers to reassure the women and implementing a national strategy of BCS could improve BCS screenings and early diagnosis of BC.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2020.21.5.1339 | DOI Listing |
BMC Med Educ
January 2025
Internal Medicine Residency Training Program, Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.
Introduction: The global shortage of healthcare professionals is a critical concern, with an estimated deficit of 18 million workers by 2030, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Oman faces challenges with its doctor-to-population ratio falling below the global average. This study examines the factors influencing residency program choices among Omani medical students and interns, with a specific focus on internal medicine.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOman Med J
July 2024
Family Medicine General Foundation Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.
We report a rare case of a middle-aged Omani woman who was known to have primary antiphospholipid syndrome, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and iron deficiency anaemia. Cannulation attempts caused bulla which progressed to ulceration. A pathergy phenomenon with high suspicion of pyoderma gangrenosum was postulated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Oncol
December 2024
Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat 123, Oman.
Background And Aim: Young women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) face considerable psychological and emotional distress, impacting their interactions with themselves, their families, and the wider community. This study sought to explore the interaction patterns of young Omani BC survivors following their diagnosis and during treatment.
Materials And Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 11 Omani women diagnosed with BC, recruited from the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre in Muscat, Oman.
BMC Psychol
December 2024
Princess Salma Faculty of Nursing, Al Al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan.
Background: Various factors associated with attitudes toward the utilization of professional psychological help among the school-going population have been explored, but studies from Arabian Gulf countries are lacking. This study aimed to assess attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, examine how demographic factors and self-esteem are associated with seeking psychological help, and understand the interaction between these variables.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was used.
BMC Psychol
December 2024
Sultan Qaboos University, Alkhud, Oman.
Background: Research on marital happiness in Middle Eastern cultures is lacking. This lack of understanding has created several challenges for policymakers and marriage counselors as divorce rates have increased over the past decade.
Method: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of marital happiness among Omani couples and its association with demographic variables, including gender, level of education, and duration of marriage.
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