ABSTRACT
This study aimed at assessing the perception of academic staff (males) on voluntary mastectomy as a preventive measure for breast cancer. Voluntary mastectomy is considered as an option for women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering questionnaires to 77 academic staff (males) of School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
This study revealed that men’s knowledge on breast cancer in women was high. Seventy nine percent of the population agreed to permit their wives or daughters to undergo voluntary mastectomy if the need arises. No statistically significant association was found between socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and their perception on voluntary mastectomy as the p-value exceeded alpha value (0.05) in each case.
Breast cancer screening and its treatment (mastectomy) are expensive; therefore, government should provide free screening with affordable cost of surgery (mastectomy). Also, policy makers should put into consideration male involvement in women’s health related issues especially preventive treatment such as voluntary mastectomy when formulating law or its re-enforcement. Awareness should be created on the benefits and effectiveness of voluntary mastectomy as a measure for cancer prevention on television, radio and newspapers. Early recognition of women at risk of breast cancer should be ensured and they should be educated on voluntary mastectomy. However, involvement of their husbands or fathers should be ensured.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Cover page 1
Abstract 2
Chapter one
Background to the study 3
Statement of the problem 7
Purpose of the study 9
Main objective 9
Specific objective 9
Research questions 10
Delimitation of the study 11
Limitation of the study 11
Chapter Two
Literature review 12
conceptual/theoretical frame work 12- 14
decision making among women 15- 18
Influence of men on women's health seeking behavior 19- 22
Chapter Three
Methodology
Study design 28
Study variable 29
Setting 29- 30
Study population 30
Sample and sampling procedure 30
Inclusion criteria 30
Exclusion criteria 31
Sample size determination 31
Proportionate sample allocation 31- 32
Ethical consideration 32
Data collection instrument and procedure 32- 33
Pretesting 33
Validity 33
Reliability 34
Data analysis 34
Dissemination 34
Chapter Four
Results and discussion 35- 51
Chapter Five
Summary, conclusion and recommendations 52- 53
Reference 54- 62
