TITLE:
Influence of Socioeconomic Profile on Uptake of Immunohistochemistry Services among Women with Breast Cancer Attending Tertiary Health Facilities
AUTHORS:
Kingsley Chidi Anochiwa, Sally Nkechinyere Onyeka Ibe, Eunice Anyalewechi Nwoke, Onyinyechi Blessed Nworuh, Asinobi Oluchi, Darlington Chidi Amadi, Emmanuel Okechukwu Nna
KEYWORDS:
Breast Cancer, Uptake, Immunohistochemistry, Socioeconomics Profile, Age, Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.11 No.10,
October
19,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide. It can be stratified by histological and immunopathological analysis as well as by molecular subtypes. Socioeconomic and cultural-mediated factors contribute to breast cancer heterogeneity and overall survivability. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of socioeconomic profile on the uptake of immunohistochemistry (IHC) services among women with breast cancer attending tertiary health facilities in Imo State. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among women with breast cancer in Imo State. The instrument for data collection used was a structured questionnaire constructed in line with the objectives of the study. A total of 121 respondents were selected randomly from a target study population of 891 using a systematic sampling technique. The software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the 121 respondents in this study was 45.2 ± 0.7 years. Age and education levels of the respondents were found to significantly influence the utilization of IHC services (P Conclusion: In our study, the consumption of IHC services was influenced significantly by the respondents’ age and level of education. Consequently, public health awareness programmes centred on the importance of IHC services in the management of breast cancer should be encouraged, so as to reach the less educationally endowed and older women in order to save more lives.