Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Islamic Scholars and Clerics on Cancer Care and Preventive Measures in Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Implications for Policy Action

Abstract

Background: Cancer is currently one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among adults globally. It is important to understand the perspectives of religious leaders on cancer prevention and care since their doctrines have tremendous impacts on the behaviour of their followers. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Islamic scholars and clerics on cancer care and prevention.

Methods: A cross-sectional design using a mixed-method approach and a two-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 128 consenting Islamic scholars and clerics. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS software version 20 with p ≤ 0.05 taken as significant. Qualitative data from 36 participants with the results analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results: The majority of the respondents had heard of cancer (89.8%), and 60% of them had poor knowledge of cancer care and prevention. The statistically significant predictors of good practice towards cancer care and preventive measures include being not married (AOR 3.64; 95%CI 1.26-10.47; p=0.017), being new members of an Islamic congregation (AOR 6.00; 95%CI 2.22-16.19; p=0.0001) and having good knowledge (AOR 4.85; 95%CI 1.66-14.11; p=0.004). The FGD sessions revealed several myths and misconceptions about cancer.

Conclusion: This study revealed predominantly poor cancer knowledge, negative preventive attitude, and poor cancer care/preventive practices. It underscores the need for an educational intervention targeting Islamic scholars and clerics to equip them with the right cancerrelated information, which can be passed down to their followers.