Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees – A Follow up Report.

Abstract

Breast Cancer (BC) is fast becoming a public health concern in resource deprived settings. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive BC preventive method. There is paucity in BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) and correlates research evidence in health trainee undergraduates in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to examine Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees. The study used a mixed method approach among 336 purposively sampled health trainee students. The study revealed that, majority (80.6%) of the female SPs ever practiced BSE, but only 38.3% performed routine monthly checks as recommended and a male minority (36.7%) had ever practised BSE. The study also found a significant positive (r = 0.282, p = 0.000) and very weak insignificant positive correlation (p = 0.041, p = 0.041) between their attitude towards BSE and health LOC on one hand and with their SWL scores respectively. The study recommends a restructuring of curricular of health trainee courses to prioritize BSE as the best BC preventive measure in resource deprived settings. Also many more males must be allowed participation in BSE KAP advocacy, education and research as important stakeholders. Moreover, BSE education must focus on regular routine performance for both males and females. Finally, health professionals as determinants of breast health (LOC) must be factored into BSE education.