PP78 Knowledge of breast cancer and its association with preventive practice among Malaysian school teachers

Abstract

Background The study aim was to investigate the association between knowledge of breast cancer and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and having clinical breast examination (CBE) in a cross-sectional sample of 700 Malaysian secondary school teachers. Methods A two-stage sampling frame was used; a simple random sample of 10 out of 24 schools was selected and all teachers within those schools were invited to participate. The following data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire (i) socio-demographic data, (ii) five knowledge categories: general knowledge of breast cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors, mammography, recommended frequency of BSE and CBE, and (iii) practice of BSE and CBE. Separate knowledge scores were computed for each knowledge category and an overall summative score. Backwards stepwise (Wald) logistic regression models were developed (SPSS V20) with BSE and CBE practice as dependent outcome measures. Independent variables were: socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, total score or knowledge score for each of the five categories. Results The response rate was 74% (518/700). Level of exercise was associated with BSE (p = 0.02) and CBE (p = 0.01), with exercise twice a week showing the strongest association compared to never exercising, OR=2.71 (95% CI 1.38–5.33, p = 0.004) for BSE, OR=2.40 (95% CI 1.27–4.55, p = 0.007) for CBE. Self-report of having an annual medical checkup was associated with BSE, OR=2.13, (95% CI 1.29–3.52, p Conclusion Correct knowledge of symptoms and signs of breast cancer is the most important factor associated with BSE and CBE in Malaysian women after adjustment for other positive health behaviours. Knowledge of risk factors, mammography and recommended frequency of BSE and CBE were not associated with practice of BSE and CBE.