Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Breast Cancer in the Municipality of Parakou (Benin) in 2024

Introduction: In Africa, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after cervical cancer. It is most often diagnosed at a late stage. Objective: To study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding breast cancer as well as the factors associated with it in the municipality of Parakou in 2024. Site and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with analytical aims and prospective data collection, conducted from June 20, 2024 to August 20, 2024. It included healthcare professionals from the various health facilities in the municipality of Parakou. Results: A total of 130 healthcare professionals (doctors, midwives, state certified nurses) participated in the study. The most common source of information for healthcare professionals was university training (69.2%). More than half (77.7%) of the healthcare workers had not attended continuing training sessions on breast cancer. The majority of healthcare professionals (78.5%) had a poor overall level of knowledge about breast cancer. Among the healthcare professionals surveyed, only 6.2% had a correct attitude and 5.4% had adequate practices regarding breast cancer. A total of 51.5% of healthcare professionals had an acceptable KAP score, while 48.5% had a poor KAP score. Socio-professional category was the only factor significantly associated with the KAP score. Midwives had the best score. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of continuing training for healthcare professionals, including paramedics. This will effectively improve the early diagnosis and management of this disease.