The Graduate School has chosen Esther Oshaji as its October student GradBird Fellow RECIPIENT. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduating students for their academic efforts at Illinois State University.
Oshaji is an international student from Nigeria and is currently in the second year of her master’s degree in sociology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Ilorn, Nigeria.
“Apart from my academic interests, I am passionate about traveling, which allows me to explore diverse cultures, people, cuisines and broaden my horizons,” said Oshaji, who added that she loves her family.
What is your favorite part of your program?
The aspect of the program that I find most appealing is the low student-to-faculty ratio, which made it easier to receive personalized assistance from the exceptional professors in my department. I have been fortunate to have been trained by Professor Chris Wellin, Dr. Richard Sullivan, Dr. Thomas Burr, Dr. Marion Willets, and Dr. Wib Leonard, who also serve as mentors and guides throughout my academic background. Their expertise, support and dedication enhance my learning experience and inspire me to excel in my studies.
Do you work with a specific faculty/staff member to help you with your research? What was your experience working with them?
I have the privilege of working closely with dedicated professors in the Department of Sociology who have played a central role in my research journey. Dr. Avogo, my chair, Dr. Willets, and Dr. Sullivan, who serve on my committee, have offered invaluable advice, unwavering encouragement, and constructive criticism, greatly enhancing my research. Their ability to strike the perfect balance between providing guidance and offering constructive feedback made my research a rewarding and manageable experience.
Can you explain your research and its importance to your field?
My research focuses on breast cancer risk factors and willingness to be screened among college women. This study is important to the field of medical sociology and public health for several compelling reasons.
First, breast cancer is an urgent public health problem and its impact is not uniform across different demographic groups. In 2020, the National Cancer Institute estimated that approximately 3,886,830 women were living with female breast cancer in the United States, making it an area worthy of attention. Through an examination of the risk factors and screening behaviors exhibited by female college students, who constitute a heterogeneous demographic group comprising diverse age groups, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses, it becomes possible to identify underlying -specific groups who may be more likely to be at high risk. levels and less inclined to engage in screening practices. My research is instrumental in identifying potential disparities in breast cancer outcomes and is critical to the development of targeted interventions to reduce disparities.
Second, early detection of breast cancer is essential for successful treatment and improved survival rates. Academic women, as a demographic, offer a unique opportunity for intervention. By studying the factors that influence their willingness to undergo screening, we can identify barriers to early detection and design strategies to encourage timely screenings. This could potentially save lives by detecting cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Third, my research is grounded in the Health Belief Model, a well-established framework in public health and sociology. This model explores how individuals perceive threats to health, the benefits of preventive actions, and the barriers to taking these actions. Applying this model to breast cancer screening among college women allows us to understand the factors that shape their decisions and develop interventions based on this knowledge. This is a practical and theoretically sound approach to solving this health problem.
Finally, my research findings can directly inform the development of targeted educational programs and interventions. By tailoring strategies to the unique needs and concerns of university students, faculty, and staff, we can improve breast cancer awareness and screening rates among this population, which can potentially reduce health disparities. , promote early detection and guide the development of effective interventions that benefit the specific population of academic women and society.
Why do you like researching this topic and what more do you hope to learn about it?
I am passionate about research into breast cancer risk factors and the push for screening among college women for several reasons.
First, breast cancer is a widespread and potentially fatal disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Being able to contribute to the body of knowledge that can help improve early detection rates and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes is deeply meaningful to me.
Second, I am particularly interested in the intersection of sociological factors and health behaviors. Understanding how social, cultural, and economic factors influence an individual’s willingness to undergo breast cancer screening can provide valuable information for addressing health care disparities and promoting equitable access to breast care services. health.
Additionally, as a sociologist, I believe in the power of research to bring about positive social change. By conducting this research, I hope to shed light on the unique challenges and barriers that academic women may face in accessing breast cancer screening and identify effective strategies to address these issues.
In terms of what I hope to learn more about, I look forward to delving deeper into the specific risk factors that may be associated with breast cancer vulnerability among college women. My goal is also to explore the nuances of their willingness to undergo screening, including the role of cultural beliefs, social support systems, and access to health care.
Ultimately, I hope that my research can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving breast cancer awareness and early detection among college students and, by extension, the general population. general.
How do you hope further research into this topic will benefit more of society?
The importance of this research lies in its potential to improve early detection rates, particularly among a demographic whose risk of breast cancer increases with age. Future studies should expand beyond the confines of this particular population and encompass a wide range of diverse demographics in the United States. This more holistic approach has the potential to facilitate the creation of targeted educational initiatives based on the Health Belief Model, which takes into account the unique needs and concerns of individuals in society.
Furthermore, it will provide valuable information that can guide health care policies and interventions, benefiting society by improving awareness, early detection and equitable access to health care services for cancer of the breast.
Is there anything else you would like to highlight about your research or promote something specific you are involved in?
Thank you for allowing me to highlight a crucial aspect of my research. Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to highlight the importance of breast self-exams. Early detection is indeed vital in the fight against breast cancer, and breast self-exams can play an important role in this regard.
I encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to take a few minutes for a regular breast self-exam. This is a simple but effective way to detect changes or abnormalities in breast tissue, which can indicate potential health problems early. By raising awareness and promoting self-examinations, we can contribute to early detection, better treatment outcomes and decreased mortality rates associated with this disease.
