Likelihood of Breast Screening Uptake among Reproductive-aged Women in Ethiopia: A Baseline Survey for Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most devastating public health problem affecting women in developed and developing world. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the likelihood of taking breast self-examination as a breast screening behavior among reproductive age women. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 810 reproductive-age women. Intervieweradministered questionnaires were used to collect data. Study participants were selected using systematic sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. The likelihood of performing breast self-examination was 54.3%. However, the comprehensive knowledge of the participants was 11.5%. As independent predictors, perceived severity of breast cancer [AOR (95%CI) = 2.05 (1.03 to 1.07)] and self-efficacy [AOR (95%CI) = 2.97(0.36-0.99)] were positively associated with the likelihood of performing breast self-examination whereas districts [AOR (95%CI) = 0.58 (0.37 to 0.91)] and place of residence [AOR (95%CI) = 0.69 (0.51 to 0.93)] were negatively associated with the likelihood of performing breast selfexamination. The HBM Model explained 64.2% of the variance in this study. Although the likelihood of performing breast selfexamination was relatively good, the comprehensive knowledge of the women was very low. Therefore, breast cancer screening education must address knowledge and socio-cultural factors that influence breast screening through awareness creation using appropriate behavioral change communication strategies.