Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Breast Self-Examination Among Female Health Sciences Final Year Students

Abstract

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the procedures used to identify breast cancer. It is a straightforward, low-cost, and non-invasive procedure that allows women to inspect their breasts to discover suspicious lumps regularly. Health Sciences students should have sufficient knowledge and good practice to serve as role models and future instructors to the public. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE among female Health Sciences final-year students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 205 students. Results: 42% of students performed BSE monthly, 74% had good knowledge, and 99% had positive attitudes. Programme course (p=0.001) and BSE included in the curriculum (p=0.008) were significantly related to the level of BSE knowledge of students. While the practice of BSE was significantly related to age (p=0.031) and BSE is included in the curriculum (p=0.002). Students agreed that lack of technical knowledge is the main reason they did not perform the BSE. The practice of BSE among the female final year students is inadequate despite most of them having good knowledge and attitude towards BSE. Conclusion: The findings suggested the necessity to strengthen the dissemination of BSE knowledge in public health education and teaching-learning programmes for university students.