Scientific Letter
Awareness of External Breast Prosthesis, it’s availability and affordability in Eastern Nigeria
Submitted: 04 November 2023 | Published: 17 July 2024
About the author(s)
Jovita A. Daniel, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, NigeriaAdaugo C. Nkwazema, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Onyinye I. Odoh, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Sydney M. Egbujo, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Darlington C. Onyido, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Lydwina S. Daniel, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
Uchechi M. Njemanze, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Godwin C. Amuchie, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Alice C. Igwe, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Emmanuel C. Okefienam, Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
Abstract
The major impact of mastectomy is on the self-image and the mental status of patients, which may negatively affect their quality of life. External breast prosthesis (EBP) gives the woman a better shape as it takes the shape of the lost breast. This improves her confidence, looks and general disposition. We assessed EBP awareness among mastectomy patients, its availability and affordability in the Eastern region of Nigeria. The survey was conducted among mastectomy patients attending clinics at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Federal Medical Centre Owerri and Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, all in South East Nigeria. A total of 32 mastectomy patients filled out questionnaires designed to obtain relevant data on knowledge of existence, availability and affordability of EBP in three big cities in South Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis Software Version 8.2. Result showed only half (50%) of the participants were aware of the existence of EBP. Out of 32 patients, 23 (71.9%) were not using EBP and only 9 (28.1%) were currently using EBP. The majority of the participants (85.7%) do not know where and how to get EBP and therefore do not have access to EBP, while 4.8% cannot afford EBP.
Contribution: There is poor awareness of the existence of EBP among breast cancer survivors. Consequently, there is poor usage of this device which otherwise, would help to restore self esteem in this population. The study exposed the need for awareness creation on the existence of EBP.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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