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@article{185922,
        author = {Gayatri Gusain and Dr Ashish Kumar Shukla and Abhishek Kaushik and Anubhav Mohan Bhardwaj and Ashish kumar},
        title = {Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding practices of breast imaging in females of Rural area Vs Urban area},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {3353-3361},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185922},
        abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with early detection critically improving prognosis. Despite advances in breast imaging technologies such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, disparities in awareness and utilization persist, particularly between rural and urban populations. Understanding the knowledge gaps and screening practices is essential to designing effective interventions that promote timely diagnosis and reduce breast cancer burden.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, awareness, and practices related to breast imaging among females residing in rural versus urban areas. Key objectives included identifying factors contributing to the knowledge gap, enhancing understanding of breast cancer risk factors and symptoms, and promoting adherence to regular screening protocols, especially among rural women.
METHODOLOGY: This prospective survey was conducted in the Delhi NCR region, enrolling 384 women aged 20 to 60 years through randomized sampling. Data collection involved structured, face-to-face interviews utilizing closed-ended questionnaires assessing baseline and post-intervention knowledge and practices regarding breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods including breast self-examination (BSE), mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. A targeted health education intervention was administered, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate changes in awareness and practice across demographic variables.
RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS: The intervention yielded statistically significant improvements in knowledge and screening practices in both rural and urban cohorts. Rural awareness of mammography increased from 20% to 60% (p=0.001), ultrasound awareness from 25% to 55% (p=0.003), and MRI awareness from 15% to 30% (p=0.005). Urban women exhibited gains from 50% to 85%, 50% to 75%, and 25% to 60% respectively. BSE awareness in rural areas rose from 20% to 75% (p=0.001), with correct practice increasing from 10% to 30% (p=0.005). Urban participants showed improvements from 50% to 90% in awareness and 25% to 50% in correct practice. Despite educational gains, rural populations continued to face greater barriers related to healthcare access and cultural stigma. Educational status and socioeconomic factors significantly influenced knowledge and screening adherence.
CONCLUSION: Targeted health education significantly enhances breast cancer screening knowledge and practices, particularly among underserved rural populations. Although urban women exhibited higher baseline awareness, the intervention effectively narrowed this gap. Persistent structural and psychosocial barriers highlight the need for integrated strategies combining education with healthcare accessibility and culturally sensitive outreach to achieve equitable early detection and improved outcomes in breast cancer care.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {October},
        }