Syeda Zakia Hossain
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
Title: What factors affect breast screening practices among Muslim women living in Sydney metropolitan area?
Biography
Biography: Syeda Zakia Hossain
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly occurring malignant neoplasms among women. Survival from breast cancer has improved steadily over time in many developed countries. Ethnic differences in survival of breast cancer were reported in the USA. Limited evidence suggests that people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background have lower than average rates of population in cancer screening in Australia. The aim of this research is to understand breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among Muslim migrant women (MMW) living in Sydney metropolitan area. Participants of the study are Muslim migrant women (N=101), over the age of 35 living in metropolitan Sydney; were recruited using convenient and snowball techniques. Survey instrument was used to gather data. Results show that the mean age of the participants’ was 44.9 years, 54% had tertiary education, 57% were unemployed and mostly married (84%). Bivariate results show that education, employment and religious priority are significantly associated with breast cancer knowledge (P<0.05). Breast screening participation was significantly associated with age, residency, English ability, refusal to see male practitioners and breast cancer knowledge (P<0.05). Notable barriers of screening include pain, unnecessary radiation, lack of GP recommendation and something negative may be discovered, suggesting policy implications.