AWARENESS OF EMPLOYEES AT THE FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES ABOUT THE NATIONAL BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness of the DORA screening programme (mammography) among female employees of the Faculty of Health Sciences in Ljubljana. Methods: In the first part of the study, a descriptive method with a literature review was used. In the second part of the study, a quantitative method was used with the help of a pilot questionnaire. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to statistically analyse the samples obtained, depending on the sample size.
Results and discussion: A total of 94% of the women surveyed, between whom there were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, educational level and workplace, had already participated in the DORA screening programme. All women surveyed were aware of the DORA screening programme and its purpose. The level of awareness of the risk factors for breast cancer was moderate. However, only 58% of women reported performing self-examinations, while 20% had never performed one. Our results suggest that the women in this study have a greater awareness of breast cancer screening than the women studied in other countries, and this awareness has increased over time. Although the level of awareness among members of Faculty of Health Sciences is moderate (the average of correct responses was 78%), many of the women surveyed are still not sufficiently aware of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. We believe that knowledge could be improved through the organisation of individual lectures and the increased promotion of screening programmes.
Conclusion: We found that women are well informed about the purpose and methods of the screening programme, but less so about risk factors. Knowledge about the screening programme may lead to earlier detection, and faster and more successful treatment.
Keywords: screening programme, DORA, awareness, breast cancer, mammography