Male Partner-Related Factors in Spouse’s Uptake of Breast Health Care Services in Siaya County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss5pp39-57817Keywords:
Knowledge, attitudes, practices of breast health care, social-cultural factors, Uptake of Breast Health Care Services, Siaya CountyAbstract
This study assessed male partners’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and socio-cultural factors influencing breast health care practices in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Male and female partners were systematically sampled from purposively selected households. Independent-samples t-tests were used to compare outcomes between males whose partners had been screened and those whose partners had not. Significant differences were observed between males whose partners had been screened and those whose partners had not been screened in knowledge of BSE frequency (t = -2.443, p = 0.016), responsibility to support a spouse diagnosed with breast cancer (t = -2.299, p = 0.023), clinical breast examination uptake (t = -5.083, p = 0.000), and mammogram uptake (t = -2.096, p = 0.038). Focus group discussions highlighted barriers such as fear, poverty, cultural beliefs, and inadequate screening resources. The findings emphasize the need for targeted breast health education and community outreach programs that actively involve men, address socio-cultural barriers, and strengthen facility capacity by improving staffing and the availability of screening equipment.
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