Practice Of Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Evaluation of a pre-post quasi-experimental educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy professionals in Karachi, Pakistan

IntroductionCancer, particularly breast cancer, is a major contributor to mortality and a significant impediment to life expectancy. In 2020, breast cancer accounted for 11.7% of all cancer cases and caused approximately 685,000 deaths worldwide, surpassing lung cancer in prevalence. The study aims to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on breast cancer awareness among pharmacy students by comparing their understanding before and after the program.MethodA pre-post quasi-experimental study was designed to assess knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, breast self-examination (BSE) practices, and attitudes toward breast cancer among female university students in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants completed a pre-session questionnaire, attended an awareness workshop and video tutorial, and then completed a post-session questionnaire 2 weeks later.ResultsOf 1,200 participants, 1,015 of them completed both the pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Key demographic features included 83.9% of the participants being in the 18–24 age group, 26.8% being married, and only 14.2% having a family history of breast cancer. Before the intervention, 60.7% of the participants were not involved in regular breast self-exams due to a lack of awareness. Post-intervention results showed a significant increase in awareness, with 35.9% rising to 94.9%. The use of screening methods increased from 46.7 to 94.8%. Knowledge of breast cancer improved from 51.2 to 96.7%, and the general perception rose from 48.2 to 93.4%. Attitudes toward self-examination also shifted positively, indicating a significant change in perception.Interpretation and conclusionThe study concludes the baseline knowledge of breast cancer among female students was inadequate but improved significantly from over 40% to over 90% following the educational intervention. The intervention positively influenced the general perception and attitudes toward breast cancer. These findings highlight the need for regular educational sessions to enhance awareness, improve healthcare outcomes, and reduce mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.

Sociodemographic drivers influencing the adoption of Breast Self-Examination amongst women in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria

Breast cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with a disproportionate impact on women in developing countries such as Nigeria. Early detection through practices like Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Breast self-examination is a valuable tool for early breast cancer detection among Nigerian women. This paper examines the current state of BSE practice among Nigerian women, identifying factors influencing its uptake and exploring strategies for enhancing its implementation. A cross-sectional research study was conducted to assess the socio demographic determinants of uptake of breast cancer screening amongst women in Kaduna state. This study which sampled a total of 254 respondents, out of which a larger proportion (48.8%) of the respondents were between the ages of 25-34 years, reveals that 80.3% of respondents have heard about breast cancer. Amongst screening methods known, BSE is most prevalent with 77.5% (203) and 22% (57) of respondent knowing about BSE and mammography respectively with about 68% being aware of how to conduct Breast Self-Examination. A statistical significance was found between constructs of three selected socio-demographic characteristics - Age (p=0.027), level of education (p=0.000), and health insurance (p=0.000) significantly associated with women’s adoption of breast self-examination. Improving access to quality healthcare, including breast cancer screening and counselling services, is essential to accelerating adoption of BSE. Addressing the complex factors influencing BSE practice requires a comprehensive approach that combines education, community engagement, and reducing the financial barrier to accessing mammography services.

Describing the practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among female healthcare workers in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women and is a global health problem. Yet, it can be a manageable disease with early diagnosis and sufficient treatment protocols, such as advanced surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation therapies. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening technique that involves examining one’s breasts for lumps, distortions, or swelling, and contributes to early diagnosis of the disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the practice of BSE and associated factors among female healthcare workers in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022 Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. A stratified and systematic random sampling technique was utilized to obtain respondents for the study. The data for this study were collected by professional nurses using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20) software. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess relevant factors. Predictors with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Four hundred respondents participated giving a 100% response rate. The median age of study participants was 28 years, with an inter-quartile range of six years. About two-thirds (63.8%) of the study participants had good knowledge about BSE, 46.3% had a positive attitude toward BSE, and 76.25% reported they practised BSE. Significant associations were observed with the practice of BSE and the factors of age, monthly income, and knowledge about BSE. Compared to participants 40 years and above, participants between 25–29 years [AOR=0.10; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.88] and 35–39 years [AOR=0.09; 95%CI: 0.01, 0.92] were less likely to practise BSE; those with monthly income less than 5250 ETB [AOR=0.19; 95%CI: 0.035, 0.996], and between 5251–7800 [AOR=0.16; 95%CI: 0.032, 0.78], and 7801-10900ETB [AOR=0.18; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.83] were less likely to practise BSE; and those with good knowledge about BSE [AOR=2.08; 95%CI: 1.23, 3.53] were more apt to practise BSE. Conclusion: The study showed that about three-quarters of the health workers practised BSE. Statistically significant associations were observed between BSE and the factors of age in years, monthly income, and knowledge about BSE. Keywords: breast, breast self-examination, Ethiopia, health care

Describing the practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among female healthcare workers in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contexte : Le cancer du sein est le cancer le plus fréquent chez les femmes; il constitue un problème de santé mondial. Il peut toutefois être gérable si le diagnostic est précoce et que les protocoles de traitement avancé (par chirurgie, chimiothérapie et radiothérapie) sont adéquats. L’auto-examen des seins a pour but de détecter la présence de bosses, de déformations ou de gonflements dans le sein, ce qui facilite le diagnostic précoce. Objectifs : L’étude, réalisée en 2022, avait pour but d’évaluer la pratique de l’auto-examen des seins et les facteurs associés chez les professionnelles de la santé travaillant au St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College d’Addis Abeba, en Éthiopie. Méthodologie : Une étude transversale a été menée en établissement, au St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Les participants ont été recrutées par échantillonnage aléatoire systématique et stratifié. Des infirmières ont recueilli les données à l’aide de questionnaires structurés, puis les ont analysées avec la version 20 du logiciel SPSS. Des analyses de régression logistique ont été appliquées pour évaluer les facteurs pertinents. Les variables libres pour lesquelles la valeur p était supérieure à 0,05 étaient considérées statistiquement significatives. Résultats : En tout, 400 personnes ont pris part à l’étude, ce qui correspond à un taux de réponse de 100 %. L’âge médian des participantes était de 28 ans, pour un écart interquartile de 6 ans. Environ les deux tiers (63,8 %) des participantes possédaient de bonnes connaissances au sujet de l’auto-examen des seins, 46,3 % avaient une attitude positive par rapport à la technique et 76,25 % disaient la mettre en pratique. Des associations significatives ont été observées entre la pratique de l’auto-examen des seins et des facteurs comme l’âge, le revenu mensuel et les connaissances sur l’auto-examen. Comparativement aux participantes âgées de 40 ans et plus, celles qui avaient entre 25 et 29 ans (rapport de cotes ajusté [RCA] = 0,10; IC à 95 % : 0,01, 0,88) et entre 35 et 39 ans (RCA = 0,09; IC à 95 % : 0,01, 0,92) étaient moins susceptibles de pratiquer l’auto-examen des seins; les femmes dont le revenu mensuel était inférieur à 5 250 birrs (RCA = 0,19; IC à 95 % : 0,035, 0,996) ou se situait entre 5 251 et 7 800 birrs (RCA = 0.,6; IC à 95 % : 0,032, 0,78) et entre 7 801 et 10 900 birrs (RCA = 0,18; IC 95 % : 0,04, 0,83) étaient moins susceptibles de pratiquer l’auto-examen des seins; les participantes ayant de bonnes connaissances au sujet de l’auto-examen (RCA = 2,08; IC à 95 % : 1,23, 3,53) étaient plus aptes à le pratiquer. Conclusion : L’étude a révélé qu’environ les trois quarts des professionnelles de la santé pratiquaient l’auto-examen des seins. Des associations statistiquement significatives ont été observées entre la mise en pratique de la technique et des facteurs comme l’âge, le revenu mensuel et les connaissances au sujet de l’auto-examen des seins. Mots-clés : sein, auto-examen des seins, Éthiopie, soins de santé

Breast self-examination knowledge, attitude, and practice among Jazan women, Kingdom od Saudi Arabia.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is a major cause of cancer death, and its incidence rate has been gradually increasing in the Arab world, Saudi Arabia has a higher proportion of young females getting breast cancer than other countries. This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding breast self-examination among females from 20 to 60 years old in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. Using A Community-based descriptive cross-sectional approach, data were gathered from 567 Saudi and non-Saudi women using structured interviews and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM) version 21.0 software program. Where the study indicated that around half of the participants (55.7%) had good total knowledge scores regarding breast self-examination, and most had positive attitudes. However, only 205 (36.2%) respondents practice it regularly. Moreover, the study reveals a significant association between respondents' knowledge and attitudes toward breast self-examination (P = 0.05). These findings indicate moderate knowledge, poor breast self-examination practices, and a significant association between knowledge and attitudes. Therefore, conducting health education programs is necessary to raise awareness about breast self-examination (BSE) among Jazan women.

Predicting Breast Self-Examination Practices among Catholic Nuns in Tanzania's Lake Zone: A Health Belief Model Approach

Background: Early breast cancer detection is crucial for improving breast cancer outcomes. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a valuable tool that can empower Catholic nuns to take charge of their health, particularly in constrained resource countries like Tanzania. This study aims to use the Health Belief Model (HBM) to predict SBE practices among Catholic nuns in Tanzania's Lake Zone. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design whereby a total of 385 catholic nuns were enrolled to participate in the study. The Health Beliefs Model (HBM) guided the study of the interrelated variables related to self-breast examination. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata version 18.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to test for association at a 5% significant level. Results: The prevalence of non-performance self-breast examination was 64.2% (95% CI, 59.1%-69.0%). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that nuns who are in the non-health field were more likely not to perform self-breast cancer examination with an AOR of 1.67 (95% CI, 1.02-2.73, p=0.041). Likewise, nuns with high barrier were more likely not to perform self-breast cancer examination with an AOR of 1.88 (95% CI, 1.17-3.02, p=0.009), also, an AOR of 2.25 (95% CI, 1.39-3.65, p=0.001) for nuns with low self-efficacy. Conclusion: The study revealed that the HBM constructs can predict the SBE behavior of catholic nuns. In addition, educational health interventions are highly recommended to enhance SBE practice among this special group.

Evaluation of the Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Self-Examination and Mammography Examination among a Group of Libyan Women in Misurata City

Cancer is one of the significant public health problems in the world. Also, breast cancer is a malignant cell, which may start in the breast tissue. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost, to detect any changes in breast tissue at an early time. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of BSE and mammography examination among females with different levels of education in city of Misurata-Libya. This study used validated questionnaire divided into two sections. The data collection was from December 2021 to May 2022. 550 questionnaires were distributed to adult volunteers who attending an out-patient clinic at a hospital clinic and/or students and teaching staff at Faculty of medical technology in Misurata. There was a high return rate with 460 (83.63%) returned in total. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 24 (IBM, Armonk NY). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The study showed that 14.8% of the participants practiced BSE practice as a monthly routine. However, the majority of respondents 251 (54.6%) in this study were rarely do the BSE practice. 92.17% of participants had very low knowledge about the mammography examination. The results of this study have demonstrated the extremely low level of awareness of breast mammography examination and performing BSE was particularly low among Misurata Libyan woman community.

Breast self-examination among female medical students at Damascus University: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionBreast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death in Syria. In young females, it is a serious complication, making it crucial to raise awareness about the disease and its early detection methods. Given the challenging circumstances that Syrians face, regular visits to medical centers for mammography are often not feasible. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is a valuable tool for detecting cancer. Educating girls in medical colleges is key to disseminating knowledge about BSE among women, as they will become future healthcare providers and can share accurate information with their families. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical faculties of Damascus University (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), Syria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire on Google Forms with four sections. The questionnaire was prepared electronically, and shared as an online link in formal university groups on social media. Data collection started on September 19, 2022, and ended on October 19 of the same year. Participation was accepted from female students in medical colleges, ranging from second to fifth year (for dental and pharmacy students) and sixth year (for medical students). Data from other students and incomplete data were excluded. Results589 female medical students from three faculties (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) filled out the questionnaire. Only 57 % of the students demonstrated a good attitude towards BSE, and 79.6 % of them agreed or strongly agreed that they avoid BSE due to fear of the consequences of breast cancer. Regarding BSE knowledge, 89.6 % of the participants reported previously hearing about BSE, and 55.7 % of them had performed BSE before. The factors that were accompanied by better knowledge about BSE were: a good attitude towards BSE; previously performed BSE; studying in a medical faculty; study years for medical and pharmacy students; and higher college average grades. Whereas, having a medical relative and having a family member with a history of BC surprisingly do not impact the knowledge. ConclusionThe study, conducted at Damascus University in Syria, assessed the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female medical college students. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge and limited practical experience in performing breast self-examination. These findings highlight the urgent need to emphasize the importance of promoting and teaching this method to a wider population of women in society.

Awareness about Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Undergraduate Female Students at the University of Agadir, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Breast cancer preventive practices and associated factors among reproductive age women in Wadila District, North East Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundCancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among all cancer types, breast cancer stands out as the most common and is characterized by distinct molecular characteristics. This disease poses a growing public health concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries where it is associated with high mortality rates. Despite these challenges, there is a paucity of data on breast cancer preventive practices and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Wollo, Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the level of breast cancer awareness, preventive practices, and associated factors among women of reproductive age residing in Wadila district, Wollo, Ethiopia in the year 2022.MethodA cross-sectional community-based study involving 352 women of reproductive age in Wadila district was carried out between May and June 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique, and data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 software. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the odds ratio for variable associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of breast-examination among women of reproductive age was determined to be 40.1% (95% Interval [CI]: 34.94–45.18). Factors such as educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13–0.6), income (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11–0.33), and family history of breast conditions in reproductive-age women (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08–3.34) were significantly linked to the practice of breast self-examination in this population.ConclusionThe study highlighted a decline in regular breast self-examination among women of reproductive age. It revealed that the reduced frequency of regular breast self-examination was a prevalent concern among women in this age group and the broader community. Educational level, monthly income, and family history of cancer among women of reproductive age were identified as significant factors linked to the practice of regular breast examination.

Digital media intervention for breast cancer awareness among rural women: A quasi-experimental study from Bihar, India

ObjectivesSocial media-based interventions have the potential to endure improvements in the health-seeking behaviors of the users. The upswing rate of social media usage among rural women of Bihar (India) allows for improving their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breast cancer which is a big concern in resource-limited countries. This study attempted to evaluate the impact of video-based intervention in advancing knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and attitude, and and practice to conduct breast cancer screening. MethodsA quasi-experimental design study was conducted among rural women in Bihar, India using pretest-posttest method. Validated YouTube Hindi videos were shared in a series as an intervention for the participants. The impact of the intervention videos was assessed by analyzing the 267 fully filled up questionnaires. Additionally, demographic characteristics were calculated and their relationship with knowledge, attitude, and practices was evaluated. ResultsAfter three months of the intervention there was a statistically significant (<0.0001) improvement (100 %) in the knowledge level of risk factors, symptoms, and screening of breast cancer. Their attitude towards breast self-examination significantly improved in 58 % of women whereas 16.5 % for clinical breast examination and 9.7 % for mammogram (<0.0001). The practice of breast self-examination significantly improved in 60 % (<0.0001) of women. Some demographic variables like education, age, and occupation were found significant predictors of breast cancer awareness. ConclusionsThis study's findings highlight that beyond all resource limitations for health awareness, a video intervention model through social media could offer a viable solution from the rural India experience to a possible shared discussion. Further study may be conducted using customized cancer awareness video interventions considering vernacular needs to make interventions more impactful.

Breast Cancer Prevention Practices and Knowledge in Italian and Chinese Women in Italy: Clinical Checkups, Free NHS Screening Adherence, and Breast Self-Examination (BSE).

Breast cancer remains a significant global concern, underscoring the critical need for early detection and prevention strategies. Primary and secondary preventive measures, such as routine screenings and behaviors like breast self-examination (BSE), play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis. While the National Health System (NHS) in Italy offers free regular screenings for women aged 50-69, there is a lack of clarity regarding the participation of both Italian and Chinese women residing in Italy in these screening programs. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly assessing the involvement in regular clinical check-ups and the types of screening employed, the adherence to free screenings offered by the NHS, and the practice of BSE among women aged 50-69 of these two groups. Furthermore, it investigates their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Results reveal disparities in breast cancer control practice between Italian and Chinese women in Italy: the former demonstrates higher adherence to clinical checkups (53% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), while both groups show low participation in free NHS screenings (70% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, Chinese women reported significantly lower frequency of mammography (96% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound (69% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). The frequency of BSE also differed substantially, with 47% of Chinese women never performing BSE compared to 12% of Italian women (p < 0.001). This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights, attitudes, and knowledge into the disparities and potential areas for improvement in breast cancer prevention, thus contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. The findings highlight the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at improving awareness and participation in screenings, particularly among the Chinese population. These initiatives could have profound implications for patient education by equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in proactive health behaviors.

Why are You Late? A Descriptive Study of Delay in Treatment Seeking among Patients of Carcinoma Breast Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: Primary: To estimate the proportion of breast cancer patients with delay in presentation. Secondary: To assess the reasons for delay in presentation among patients with breast cancer. To identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with delayed presentation among patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based descriptive study at a tertiary care hospital- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), from a period of January 2016 to June 2016. The participants were interviewed at the time of their hospital visit with a standardised questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. The patients were asked to recall the time interval between the first recognition of symptoms and the first medical consultation. A duration of &gt;3 months was considered a patient delay. The patient reported the first symptom, and the symptoms at presentation were noted. Through clinical examination of the breasts, axilla and other systems was performed, and the positive clinical features were recorded. Results: A total of 126 women were included in the study. Out of 126 patients, 37 patients (29.4%) presented to healthcare personnel within 3 months of identifying their symptoms, and 89 patients (70.6%) presented later than 3 months. The mean duration of delay is 171.5 days, with a standard deviation of 229.45 and a median delay being 120 days. The most common cause for delay was due to the patient’s perception that the lump was harmless or temporary. The average time taken by the patients to present to JIPMER for definitive management of breast cancer after visiting a local physician was a median of 25 days and a mean of 48.77 days. The time taken for confirmation of diagnosis from the time of presentation to JIPMER was a median duration of 13 days and a mean duration of 16.58 days with a standard deviation of 12.31. About 90% of the patients had their diagnosis confirmed within 1 month. Conclusion: In our study, the proportion of delayed presentation among breast cancer patients was found to be 70.6%. Patients from rural areas and with lower educational status were found to have a higher incidence of delayed presentation. Lack of awareness of breast cancer symptoms and their misinterpretation as harmless, temporary and benign are the main reasons for delayed presentation. Patients who practised breast self-examination presented earlier. Further studies with a larger sample will help in identifying the other sociodemographic and clinical characteristics responsible for delayed presentation.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self Examination in Women of Okrika Kalio-Ama Community Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State

Background: Breast self-examination is one of the non-invasive methods of screening in which a woman looks at her breast for any unusual changes like lumps, distortions, or swellings. Despite the impact of breast self-examination in detecting breast cancer earlier, the vast majority of cases still present with an advanced stage. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, particularly in low income countries. Objective: This study sought to evaluate breast self-examination habits and knowledge among women in their reproductive age in the Kalio-Ama village in Okrika LGA, Rivers State. Methods: Women residing in the study area were the subjects of a cross-sectional study. A straightforward random selection technique was employed to choose 250 individuals. Questionnaires given by interviewers were utilized to gather data. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 23. Results: From the total of 250 women participated in the study with a response rate of 100%. Of these, 250 (100%) of the respondents have heard of breast self-examination, 25 (10%) heard about it at home, 180 (72%) heard about it at the health facility while 45 (18%) heard on social media, 190 (76%) said self-examination of the breast is essential for early detection of breast cancer, 180 (72%) had knowledge and skills of BSE, 190 (76%) agreed that BSE will lead to early detection of breast cancer, 250 (100) of the respondents have practiced breast self-examination, 160 (64%) practice BSE on monthly bases while 90 (36%) practice BSE when necessary, 160 (64%) will continue the practice of BSE, 160 (64%) derive pleasure in carrying out BSE. There was a significant relationship (p-value&lt;0.05) between the following factors (health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age) and execution of BSE. Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that there is adequate sufficient understanding and experience in BSE among women of childbearing age in the study area and factors such as health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age impact of the practice of BSE among women in Rivers State.

Understanding Preventive Health Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Study to Explore Factors Influencing the Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Indian Medical Students.

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most prevalent oncological cases in the world, and the global burden of the disease is expected to rise further in the coming years. Strategies aiming at early diagnosis, backed by research and a well-trained healthcare cadre, can aid low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in tackling the possible cancer-caused strain on healthcare systems. Our study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of medical students concerning BC and explore barriers and facilitators of breast self-examination (BSE). A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study approach to better understand factors and beliefs influencing preventive health practice in BSE was conducted among students at a medical college in rural Maharashtra, India. One hundred and two female medical students completed the quantitative phase, and 15 of them gave in-depth interviews (IDIs) for the qualitative aspect. Among the participants, 67.6% had good knowledge of risk factors, but only 10% knew the recommendations for BSE, clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. We found that being taught BSE by a trusted source and knowing a BC patient were significant facilitators. In contrast, lack of self-efficacy and two fear factors were found tobe acting as barriers for BSE, one being the absence of fear of ever getting BC and the other fear of detecting a lump. This study reveals a gap between knowledge of risk factors and their translation to disease prevention practice. The barriers elicited are modifiable by planning and implementing an appropriate training program covering risk factors and recommending all available screening and preventative modalities. A well-trained medical staff will be instrumental in improving the health status of our community and country.

Knowledge, Attitudes and practice of Breast Self-Examination among Jordanian Women

Knowledge, Attitudes and practice of Breast Self-Examination among Jordanian Women

A Community Directed Interventional Approach to Promote Breast Self-Examination Through BEHENA Among Women Residing in Rural Villages of Hingna, Nagpur District

Introduction: The practice of breast self-examination (BSE) does not adopt a community-directed approach, and hence lack the influence of community dynamics. Community-directed strategy to promote BSE through Breast Examination Health Education Network Advocator (BEHENA) acknowledges the impact of collective support. Objectives: To increase the knowledge and empower women aged ≥20 years with the help of BEHENA in correctly performing BSE and to identify the perception and challenges encountered by BEHENA in promoting BSE. Methods: A mixed-methods study design will be employed, wherein in the first phase, local women satisfying eligibility criteria will be selected as BEHENA and trained in BSE. In the second phase, these BEHENA workers will sensitize and train the study participants in BSE. In the third phase, the participants will be periodically monitored to monitor BSE sustenance practice. Finally, focus group discussions will be conducted to identify their perceptions and challenges encountered in promoting BSE. Results: An improvement in awareness levels and empowerment of rural women with the skills necessary to perform accurate and effective BSE. Conclusion: Upon the completion of the project, the best practices and lessons learned during the entire duration of implementation will be documented. The findings of the study will be shared with all the concerned stakeholders.

Assessment of breast cancer awareness and detection of asymptomatic cases in Ngaoundere, Adamawa region of Cameroon

IntroductionIn Cameroon and most African countries, breast cancer (BC) is mainly diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to worse prognosis and disease consequences. This is partly due to the delayed presentation of patients, which constitutes a significant barrier to the effective management of the disease. The aim of this descriptive, cross-sectional study is to identify the level of awareness of breast cancer and screening practice among women and health professionals in the city of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. MethodsWomen and medical personnel were randomly recruited in two health institutions in the Adamawa region, Cameroon: the Ngaoundere Regional Hospital and the Ngaoundere Protestant Hospital. Two different questionnaires were prepared. The first was to collect sociodemographic data and assess participants' awareness of BC and related symptoms. The second was to collect information from the recommended screening methods for early detection of cases, including the frequency of screening practice among women and the daily practice of medical personnel. ResultsOut of the women surveyed, 88.05 % have heard of breast cancer, but the majority were unaware of its clinical signs (47.1 %) and the means of treatment (22 %). In the studied population, 66.4 % were aware of the screening, but the practice was very low, as only 1.1 % of women had ever undergone screening by mammography and only 6 % often practiced breast self-examination (BSE). The levels of screening knowledge and practice were significantly associated with the level of education and employment status (P = 0.0001). In the group of 94 health personnel surveyed, 68.1 % had no knowledge of breast cancer screening methods, and only 30 % performed breast cancer screening in their daily practice. The practice of BSE during the study allowed a detection of 2 % of screened women with some suspicious clinical signs. ConclusionThis study revealed a lack of knowledge about BC and its screening methods and practice among women and health personnel in Ngaoundere. This lack of knowledge constitutes a significant barrier to early diagnosis of BC. There is a need to raise awareness and provide education and information about BC screening.

Assessing breast self-examination knowledge and practices among women in Iraq: A cross-sectional study.

The present study aims to shed light on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination with breast cancer (BC) among female patients in the oncology department of Baghdad Medical City. This cross-sectional study involved 100 female participants at the Oncology Teaching Hospital in Baghdad Medical City between June 15 and October 15, 2022. Using convenient sampling, the study targeted females aged 30-75, recently or previously diagnosed with BC, admitted for treatment and follow-ups. Regarding the assessment of knowledge, among the surveyed patients, 71 are aware of breast self-examination (BSE), primarily through social media (42 patients). The study also explores the link between BSE and education levels. While Pearson's chi-square shows no significance (0.107), the likelihood ratio suggests a significant association (0.041). Regarding the analysis of attitudes, the study assessment for the reasons for compliance showed that 19 patients cite medical reasons, and 48 patients attribute noncompliance to a lack of knowledge of how to perform BSE. Regarding the examination of practice, high statistical significance is evident in both Pearson'schi-square (0.000) and likelihood ratio (0.000) tests, emphasizing the substantial relationship between the post-diagnosis initiation timing of BSE and its correct execution. Additionally, a statistically significant association exists between performing BSE correctly and discovering BC(p = 0.000). Regarding the assessment of knowledge, our study found high awareness of BSE within the population, primarily through social media and health organizations. Regarding the analysis of attitudes, a notable proportion refrained from practicing BSE, primarily due to a perceived lack of knowledge about the methods. Regarding the examination of practice, the observed significant associations between performing BSE correctly, discovering BC, and the frequency of examinations underscore the pivotal role of consistent and accurate BSE in early detection.

Early detection of self-breast examination using smartphone breast application.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method that can help empower, raise awareness, and detect breast abnormalities in women. The use of smartphone applications for breast cancer early detection is able to overcome some of these barriers. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of the effect of using smartphone application-based technology on breast cancer. Google Scholar, PubMed, Proquest, and ScienceDirect were searched for "breast self-examination" and "smartphone application" literature. This literature's study designs were quasi-experimental, prospective cohort, qualitative, and systematic review. The study contained five unique research projects with 828 varied participants. The use of smartphones was seen to have advantages in terms of increased knowledge, perceived vulnerability, barriers to breast self-examination (BSE), self-efficacy, health motivation, and BSE practices. The utilization of smartphone apps related to BSE is shown through the availability, accessibility, and focus of information and is in line with the Health Belief Model (HBM).