Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in Relation to Diet and Nutrition Recommendations for Breast Cancer Prevention

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out among forty healthcare professionals working at oncology units in two hospitals (public and private) in Accra, Ghana to assess the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals in relation to diet and nutrition recommendations for breast cancer prevention. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on healthcare workers demographics, knowledge and attitudes on diet and nutrition for breast cancer prevention. Knowledge scores were calculated for all correct responses. Test of associations employed Pearson's correlation statistical tool with level of significance set at p < 0.05. Ninety percent of the healthcare professionals had average or above average total knowledge score. Majority of the healthcare professionals did not have knowledge about recommended alcohol limits for men (82.5%) and women (77.5%). More than half (57.5%) of the healthcare professionals did not have knowledge of high calorie foods. Dietary advice was perceived to be the responsibility of dieticians (72.5%); however, 90% of the healthcare professionals were willing to provide dietary advice. A very weak correlation was found between years in clinical practice post qualification and their nutrition knowledge (Pearson’s r = 0.008, p=0.178). Thirty-five percent of them reported lack of expertise as a barrier to providing dietary advice to patients. Whereas majority of the healthcare professionals had average or above knowledge of diet and nutrition recommendations for breast cancer prevention, few had sufficient practical nutrition knowledge. This highlights the need to include practical nutrition education in the training of healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Nutrition knowledge, attitude, healthcare professionals, breast cancer

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-22-04

Publication date: November 30^th 2022