Knowledge and Practice of Iraqi Women Regarding Breast Self-Examination

Abstract

Background: Women around the world are suffering from breast cancer (BC) which is considering the commonest cancer affecting them. Even, the mortality rate can be decreased with a continuous and regular screening of the breast especially by Breast Self-Examination (BSE). Objectives: The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge level, attitude level, and practice of Iraqi women living in Baghdad city regarding BSE. Secondly, to assess the presence of an association between knowledge and practice. Methods: This is an analytic cross-sectional study conducted on a non-random sample of 657 participant women attending primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) for different reasons. The average age was between (20-59) years. All consented women filled a specially designed questionnaire for the research purpose through a face-to-face interview. Results: The result showed only 75.5% of women were heard about BSE and there was a significant difference (p<0.001) in age between women heard about BSE and those never heard it. In addition to the significant association (p<0.001), (p<0.001), and (p<0.001) of being aware of BSE with educational level, employment status, and social class respectively. The mean knowledge score and standard deviation (SD) for BSE were (45.2±34.8). Only 33(5%) of women performed regular monthly BSE. A significant difference (P<0.001) in the knowledge of women who practicing BSE adequately and those with non-adequate practice. Conclusion: Women with the adequate practice of BSE had a higher knowledge level than those inadequately practiced. The practice of BSE was inadequate in a majority of participants and needs to be improved by educational programs.