WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Naba Ali Abd Al- Hassan, Noufel Sh. Al-Shadood and Jawad K. Al-Diwan

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, with early detection being crucial for effective treatment and survival. Understanding the motivations and perceptions of women seeking breast health services is essential for improving healthcare outcomes. This study focuses on women visiting a breast clinic at Al Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad to explore their motivations and experiences. Objective: To explore women's motivations, perceived benefits, emotional responses, and willingness to recommend breast health services. Methods: This study employed at Al Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in the period 1/3/2024 – 1/2/2025 with 200 women visiting the breast clinic, their motivations for visiting the clinic, expected outcomes, anxiety levels, confidence in care, and recommendations for the services. Results: The results showed that the primary motivations for visiting the clinic were concerns about specific symptoms (48.5%) and family history of breast cancer (22.5%). Encouragement from family and friends also played a role (3.5%). Fear of breast cancer significantly influenced the decision to visit for many participants (44%). Most women (82%) reported anxiety about check-up results but were highly confident in the clinic's care (93%). A significant majority (94.5%) were likely to recommend breast health services to others. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as fear and anxiety, and leveraging social support networks to promote breast health awareness. The high level of confidence in care and the strong likelihood of recommending services indicate effective service delivery and trust in healthcare providers.