Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination among female teachers from selected secondary schools in Ogbomosho, Oyo State

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death in women. This research was conducted to obtain the information related to knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among female teachers in some selected secondary schools in Ogbomosho. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 173 female teachers in some selected secondary schools in Ogbomosho to obtain information on their demographic data, knowledge of BSE, attitude to BSE, and practice of BSE. The teachers were selected randomly in ten public secondary schools in Ogbomosho. Results: Knowledge of BSE among female secondary school teachers studied in this survey revealed that of 173 respondents, 124 (71.7%) have heard of BSE before. While 103 (59.5%) of the respondents perceive to know how to perform BSE, 73 (42.2%) actually perform it. However, only 11 (15.1%) of those who perform BSE have ever felt lump in their breast. After which, they visit hospital for the diagnosis. Conclusion: This study revealed good knowledge (set of experiences, skills, or insight) and awareness (perception of knowledge using of that knowledge) of breast cancer BSE among the respondents. It is, however, necessary to educate female teachers on proper BSE examination and how to effectively educate and inform their female students. If teachers are adequately educated on breast cancer and BSE, they can transfer the knowledge to their female students.