Cancer Education in Nigeria: Findings from a Community-based Intervention by a Physicians' Association

摘要

Objectives: Cancer causes significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, but the country lacks an organized cancer control system. Low awareness of cancers among health professionals in the country contributes to weak cancer control capabilities and poor patient outcomes in Nigeria. This study describes findings from a community-based education intervention by Medical Women's Association of Nigeria and American Society of Clinical Oncology in Akwa Ibom State. Methods: Intervention was the Cancer Control in Primary Care Course. It featured didactic lectures with multimedia components (n=11), demonstrations and simulations (n=4), as well as plenary sessions (n=7). Topics covered included cancer epidemiology (breast/cervical), patient navigation, cancer management, inter-professional collaboration and discussions on Akwa Ibom cancer control framework. Participants (n=124) included physicians, nurses and health policymakers in the state. Mixed methods evaluation of the course formed the basis for data collection and analysis. Results: Ninety-two percent of participants (114/124) completed the evaluation. Majority (51%, 58/114) were general nurses, and the average number of years in practice was 20 (±12.3) years. Evaluation of knowledge showed a median knowledge score of 21 (maximum = 25) points. "I have been able to [learn] about cancer in a more detailed way for the first time" (#7). Ninety-seven percent (111/114) planned to improve their practice patterns, especially regarding patient/public education on cancer prevention and advocacy for early detection. Identified barriers to knowledge implementation were lack of support from administration, colleagues and inadequate manpower. Conclusions: This workshop achieved its objectives of improving the cancer management competence of participants, while promoting inter-professional collaboration.