KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AND BREAST CANCER AMONG FEMALE HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN SUPERCARE HOSPITAL: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among the females in India. Breast Self-examination (BSE) can play a huge role in early detection and diagnosis thereby signicantly reduce morbidity, and prompt timely treatment. The main aim of the study was to access the Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination and cancer awareness among the female healthcare workers. Methodology: The cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Supercare hospital, Shillong and 27 female workers responded to the questioner. The questioners were divided into three categories to access the Knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE and awareness of breast cancer. Results: 22.22% of the participants had very good knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, 74% had good knowledge and 3.7% had average knowledge. 40.51±4.9 is the mean and SD for the knowledge for breast cancer and self-breast awareness. 48% respondents average practice BSE and 11% good and 41% poor practice of BSE was observed. The female healthcare workers attitude towards BSE was overall good. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents are aware of breast cancer but very few practice breast self-examination. It is recommended to educate and train female health worker to act as peer educator who are agent of health care information to the community and the society at large