The triad of knowledge, regular medical consultation, and recommendations for enhanced breast cancer screening intention in Morocco.

PURPOSE: The low rate of breast cancer screening in Morocco is linked to delayed diagnosis and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the association between screening intention and knowledge levels. Our objective was to assess the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and screening, identify the determinants of this knowledge, and determine predictive factors for screening intention. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 1014 women in the city of Essaouira, Morocco, during the years 2018-2020. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors using SPSS software. RESULTS: We found an above-average level of knowledge (67%). These knowledge levels were associated with several personal characteristics. Moreover, these knowledge levels proved to be powerful predictive factors for the intention to undergo screening, along with regular medical consultations and recommendations to undergo screening. CONCLUSION: Women had a high level of knowledge about breast cancer and its characteristics. These knowledge levels were strongly associated with the intention to undergo screening. However, despite this, the low participation rate encourages the reinforcement of research to align knowledge, intention, and screening practices.

Quality of Life of Patients With Cancer at the Beni Mellal Oncology Center.

OBJECTIVES: Cancer and its treatments significantly impact individuals' lives and quality of life (QOL). Research on QOL examines these effects, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects. Understanding QOL factors is vital for both patients and clinicians. The evaluation of QOL of patients with cancer and its associated predictive factors has not been previously investigated within the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco. Our primary aim was to assess the QOL experienced by patients while simultaneously identifying the determinants and predictors influencing it. METHODS: Patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted at the Beni Mellal Oncology Center. Each participant was required to fill out the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire, along with a supplemental questionnaire gathering sociodemographic information. A linear regression analysis was executed to ascertain predictors of the Global Health Status (GHS) and 5 functional scales. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v25 software. RESULTS: Our study included 369 patients, with an average age of 52.89. The mean score on the QLQC30 GHS Scale was 64.97. Notably, this score exhibited positive correlations with emotional, social, and role functioning scales, while demonstrating negative correlations with prostate and lung cancers, as well as the presence of pain. Furthermore, the presence of fatigue exhibited associations with all functioning scales, except for social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Patients exhibited a favorable GHS. However, it is noteworthy that prostate cancer, lung cancer, the presence of pain, and diminished emotional, social, and role functioning emerged as independent factors significantly associated with poorer GHS.

Knowledge and Attitudes about Mother-to-Child Transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Context of Social Vulnerability: The Case of the Province of Essaouira, Morocco.

Background: Despite health education efforts, pregnant women still face major health problems.The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women on measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in a context of social vulnerability. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of 384 pregnant women randomly selected from the 20 health districts in the province of Essaouira. This study was carried out from January 2022 to June 2022. A questionnaire was used, and bivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. Results: Low knowledge (75.8%) and negative attitudes (72.7%) about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV were observed in study participants. The knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women about the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV varied by education level, number of children, and source of information. There was a very significant correlation between knowledge and attitude (p=0.000). Conclusion: A significant number of pregnant women have incomplete knowledge and attitudes about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Actions to increase the knowledge of pregnant women are essential. The capacity of healthcare providers should also be strengthened to improve the quality of care.

Predictors of herbal medicine use among cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Moroccan studies have shown a high frequency of use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM). No survey has investigated the predictive factors of the use of traditional herbal medicine. This study aims to assess the prevalence, the determinants, and the predictors of this use. METHODS: At the regional oncology center of Beni Mellal, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with 530 adult cancer patients chosen by quota sampling. A 54-item questionnaire was used to perform the face-to-face survey. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) healthcare model was used to create this instrument. RESULTS: The prevalence of traditional herbal medicine use was 36.6%. Several variables of the conceptual model were associated with the use of herbal medicine (gender, attitude, and belief towards T&CM, financial resources, and clinical characteristics of patients) (p < 0.05). Predictors of traditional herbal medicine use were female gender (OR = 4.687; p < 0.000), social impact of cancer (OR = 2.314; p < 0.05), emotional impact of cancer (OR = 2.314; p < 0. 05), expected benefits of T&CM use (OR = 3.453; p < 0.000), perceived scientific barriers (OR = 0.580; p < 0.000), perceived socioeconomic barriers (OR = 0.657; p < 0.005), and social norms of relatives (OR = 3.238; p < 0.000). CONCLUSION: The use of herbal medicine is quite frequent. The profile of users is represented by women who experience pain and the psychosocial impact of cancer and who have positive beliefs about TCMs, are influenced by their relatives and who did not perceive the barriers of this use.

Efficacies and side effects of medicinal plants used by patients with cancer in Morocco: A retrospective treatment-outcome study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plants have long been used as traditional medicines in Morocco. Patients with cancer frequently use medicinal plants, with a frequency ranging from 11% to 39%. No studies have evaluated these patients in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. AIM OF STUDY: We investigated the beneficial and adverse effects of medicinal plants used by patients with cancer in this region. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of the outcomes of traditional treatment with medicinal plants (retrospective treatment-outcome study: RTO) in 194 patients with cancer at the regional oncology centre of Béni Mellal. RESULTS: Beneficial effects were reported by 39% of patients. All users of the seeds of Prunus armeniaca L. reported beneficial effects (100%), followed by Curcuma longa L. (50%). We did not observe any significant difference in efficacies between the most commonly used plants (P > 0.05). Patients with cancer who had a low socioeconomic level experienced greater benefits from herbal medicines (p < 0.05). The prevalence of adverse effects was 16%. Juniperus oxycedrus L. was perceived as the most toxic plant (13 patients), as it induced significantly greater toxicity than the other plants (P < 0.05). Patients with a cancer duration of more than 12 months reported more adverse effects (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of beneficial effects was higher than that of adverse effects. Health professionals should be aware of these effects in the process of therapeutic education. Preclinical and clinical research are considered necessary for the in-depth evaluation of the efficacies and toxicities of certain plants that have shown toxic or therapeutic potential.