Knowledge and attitudes of fourth year medical students at Makerere University towards MRI and its role in breast cancer screening

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a growing health risk in Uganda, with rising incidence and limited screening. MRI is a sensitive modality reserved for high risk individuals, but its use is not well established in the country. This study is meant to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding MRI and its role in breast cancer screening. RESEARCH AIM:To evaluate whether there is a need for more facilitation and education regarding MRI and its role in Breast Cancer screening among medical students. METHODS: This was a cross sectional quantitative study among the year 4 medical students in the 2024/2025 academic year. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 52 questions divided into five sections. A combination of stratified, snowball sampling was used. The estimated study sample size is 148 as by Raosoft sample size calculator with a confidence interval of 95%. The participants were recruited by physically or online. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. Microsoft Excel was applied in analysis of data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that the students have limited knowledge on MRI breast screening guidelines. However, they have fairly good knowledge on breast cancer risk factors. Good knowledge was also noted about MRI as a modality. There was appositive attitude towards the screening. There is therefore a knowledge gap that needs to be covered. This may be done through seminars, workshops, lectures and whatever possible way. Given the increasing breast cancer (BC) cases in Uganda, it would reflect also an increase in potentially high risk BC patients who are best evaluated with MRI. This would foster earlier detection of disease.