Practice Of Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Breast self-examination among nurses in Poland and their reparation in this regard.

Working at night and in shifts, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, may increase the risk of breast cancer in nurses who therefore should frequently perform breast self-examination (BSE). The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of BSE among Polish nurses, its accuracy, sources of knowledge and skills, self-assessment of own competences and preparation to educate women about BSE. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of female nurses (N=1,242). An anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. To properly assess the BSE a four-item scale was made of the type single best answer multiple choice question. Each item referred to one agreed principle of performing BSE. Regularly BSE was performed by 56.1% nurses, 67.3% pre-menopause nurses 2-3 days after cessation of menstruation and 30.4% post-menopause women on a chosen day of the month. About 98% examined visually and by palpation; 58.9% did so in two positions. In the accuracy scale of BSE, the average number of points was 2.8 out of 4. All (4 points) or almost all (3 points) recommendations of accurate BSE were met by 61.4% of the nurses. Self-assessment of knowledge and BSE practical skills were considered as good or very good by 93.5% and 88.8% nurses, respectively. The self-evaluation of nurses' knowledge and BSE skills was significantly correlated with the result on the accuracy scale or this BSE. Many deficiencies concerning frequency, times and BSE techniques were revealed among Polish nurses. There is a discrepancy between the high self-assessment of competences and the accurate practice of BSE. Nurses' preparation in Poland in BSE is insufficient and requires improvement.

Sustainable and cost-effective teenage breast awareness campaigns: Insights from a Nigerian high school intervention study.

With limited government-sponsored breast screening programmes in developing countries, breast awareness remains the only realistic survival hope for millions. Poor levels of knowledge and preventive practices remain in these countries, and early enlightenment to empower teenage high school girls has been advocated for, recently. This study evaluates ways to ensure sustainability for such an approach. A 6-month longitudinal, interventional cohort study of 432 high school female students in South-eastern Nigeria. The efficacies of a video-assisted face-to-face intervention, as well as the use of printed handouts, were evaluated. A total of 317 (73.4%) and 301 (69.7%) valid responses were received from the pre-intervention (16.8±1.5years) and post-intervention (17.2±1.6years) surveys, respectively. Logistic regression revealed that participants who were "engaged" with the campaigns, either through symposium attendance or by reading handouts, showed significant improvements on most aspects of knowledge regarding the cancer's early symptoms and risk factors, as well as breast self-examination (BSE). However, the monthly practice of BSE was not significantly increased (Attendees: OR=1.44, P=0.18; Handout-readers: OR=1.52; P=0.17). Also, when "engagement" to the respective empowerment activities was disregarded, a chi-squared analysis comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups showed significant improvements on specific knowledge regarding risk factors and early symptoms of breast cancer, as well as BSE techniques and regular monthly practice: χ2 (1, N=596)=46.703, P<0.001. Across multiple parameters, the impact of exclusive face-to-face participation was not different to that from the reading of handouts. Face-to-face and handout were both effective and of similar impact. However, sustained impact on monthly BSE is doubtful. To surmount this, strategies to ensure ongoing engagements are vital. Perhaps adjusting existing high school curricula to allow repeated yearly teachings on breast cancer and BSE, along with in-built-in evaluation systems like examinations and quizzes, are ways of ensuring engagement.

Autoexamen de seno: conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en mujeres de una institución de educación superior

Introducción. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, el cáncer de seno es el segundo más común en el mundo, con un estimado de 1,67 millones de casos nuevos diagnosticados en 2012, lo que equivale al 25 % de todos los cánceres. Objetivo. Identificar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente al autoexamen de seno en mujeres de una institución de educación superior, durante el segundo semestre de 2017. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo y transversal en una población 1125 estudiantes de sexo femenino. Su duración fue de un año y se contó con una muestra de 287 participantes de una institución de educación superior. La información se recolectó mediante una encuesta para evaluar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas del autoexamen de seno. Resultados. El 40,7 % de la población estudiada sí se practica el autoexamen de seno, 72,03 % con una frecuencia adecuada y 38,13 % en la etapa sugerida del ciclo menstrual. Conclusión. La mayor parte de la población no se practica el autoexamen, además, existe poca claridad sobre la frecuencia y el momento en que se debe hacer

Risk factors of breast cancer and breast self-examination in early detection: systematic review of awareness among Indian women in community and health care professionals.

This review aims at evaluating the awareness of risk factors for breast cancer (BC) and the knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) among Indian women and health care professionals (HCPs). Literature search was conducted on multiple bibliographic databases with restrictions applied to English peer-reviewed journals. We reviewed 37 published articles on this topic. The mean level of awareness for risk factors such as age at menarche (22.3%), age at menopause (27.1%) and late first pregnancy (34.6%) was low in community. The awareness was better among HCPs; however, there was still room for improvement.Knowledge of BSE varied from very poor (2%) to good (69.8%) in the community setting. The practice was similarly negligible (0%) to moderate (34.9%). Mean knowledge and practice of BSE in HCPs were 77.1 and 55.5%, respectively. A significant difference was noted in knowledge and practice of BSE between community and HCPs (P < 0.05). The present review highlights the low level of awareness regarding risk factors for BC and BSE in the community as well as HCPs. Though BSE is not the ideal modality, this seems to be the best alternative for resource-limited settings.

Female university students' knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in Turkey.

Breast cancer keeps its importance as an important health problem in developing countries like Turkey. Therefore, breast cancer screening and early diagnosis are more important for these countries. Although there are debates about breast self- examination, it is still involved in breast cancer screening programs in many countries. This study aimed to determine university students' knowledge and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). The study universe consisted of all the female students studying at a public university. Sample size of 161 was calculated for a predicted event frequency. The research data were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 73.3% of the subjects students had heard about BSE. Only half of these students had obtained additional information about BSE. While half of the students indicated that they did perform BSE, 33.3% reported doing so at regular intervals. The majority of the students were aware of BSE and its purpose. Only about half stated, however, that they practice it. Those who practiced BSE were not knowledgeable about how and when to perform it. In developing countries, to have adequate knowledge of BSE of young women and to do BSE, it is important to develop a consciousness of breast health and an awareness of breast cancer at this age.

A Community-Based Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Prevalence of Breast Disease in Southwest Cameroon.

Introduction Despite the rising trend in breast cancer incidence and mortality across Sub-Saharan Africa, there remains a critical knowledge gap about the burden and patterns of breast disease and breast cancer screening practices at the population level. This study aimed to identify socioeconomic factors associated with knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) as well as assess the prevalence of breast disease symptoms among a mixed urban-rural population of women in the Southwest region of Cameroon. Methods We conducted a household-level community-based study in Southwest Cameroon between January and March 2017, using a three-stage cluster sampling framework. We surveyed 1287 households and collected self-reported data on 4208 female subjects, 790 of whom were household representatives. Each household representative provided information on behalf of all female household members about any ongoing breast disease symptoms. Moreover, female household representatives were questioned about their own knowledge and practice of BSE. Results Women demonstrated low frequency of knowledge of BSE, as 25% (n=201) of household representatives reported any knowledge of BSE; and among these only 15% (n=30) practiced BSE on a monthly basis. Age (aOR: 1.04), usage of Liquid Petroleum Gas fuel, a marker of higher socioeconomic status (aOR: 1.86), and speaking English as a primary language in the household (aOR: 1.59) were significant predictors of knowledge of BSE. Eleven women reported ongoing breast disease symptoms resulting in an overall prevalence of 2.3 cases of breast disease symptoms per 1000 women. Conclusions Socioeconomic disparities in access to health education may be a determinant of knowledge of BSE. Community-based strategies are needed to improve dissemination of breast cancer screening methods, particularly for women who face barriers to accessing care.

Breast Self-Examination: Knowledge and Practice Among Female Textile Workers in Vietnam.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, feasible, and suitable method for breast cancer screening in low–middle setting countries. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE among female textile workers in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1036 female workers, aged 43.9 ± 3.1 years old, who were working in 4 textile enterprises in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in 2016. Overall, 22.7% of participants showed sufficient knowledge on BSE; 15.2% performed monthly BSE; and 7.7% completely performed all 5 steps of BSE. The prevalence of insufficient BSE knowledge was higher among participants with low level of education (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.39, below vs above secondary school), and those whose husbands were farmers or workers (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.27-2.45, compared to other sectors). This prevalence was, however, negatively associated with receiving information on BSE (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.11-0.23, yes vs no). The prevalence of insufficient BSE practice was also higher among females with husbands who were farmers or workers (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.15-2.43, compared to other sectors). In contrast, it was much lower among participants who had history of breast-related diseases (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.88, yes vs no), received BSE information (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08-0.19, yes vs no), and had sufficient overall BSE knowledge (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.06-0.13, yes vs no), compared to those who did not. There was a low prevalence of sufficient BSE knowledge (22.7%) and practice (15.8%) among female textile workers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Low level of education and not being provided BSE information were associated with insufficient BSE knowledge and practice among Vietnamese female textile workers. Health education programs are essential to encourage and improve women’s knowledge and practice of BSE.

Awareness and Practice of Breast Self Examination among Women in Different African Countries: A 10-Year Review of Literature.

Breast self examination (BSE) is an important screening technique in detecting breast abnormalities. This procedure enables women become familiar with their breasts, thus making it easier for them to detect any changes that may occur. Routine performance of BSE is recommended for females above 20 years. This review of literature was conducted to assess the awareness and practice of BSE among women in different countries in Africa. A total of 28 out of 80 articles were reviewed from 15 African countries based on relevance. Review identification was performed through the search of Google Scholar and PubMed/MEDLINE/PubMed Central databases. Search terms used were “BSE,” “awareness,” “practice,” and “Africa.” Reference lists of identified studies were also used to find more studies. Majority of the reviewed studies showed adequate awareness, mainly from the media, but poor practice of BSE among women in various countries in Africa. A major barrier identified was inadequate knowledge of BSE technique. Although awareness of BSE was relatively high in many of the reviewed studies, the practice was low. Educational intervention program should be carried out among women in various African countries, not only to raise awareness but also to educate on the skills required to carry out BSE effectively.

Can urban Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) be change agent for breast cancer awareness in urban area: Experience from Ahmedabad India.

Background and Aims:Globally, breast cancer is one of the major public health problem. In Indian women, breast cancer is now the most common cancer, having recently overtaken cervical cancer in this respect. Breast Cancer though on the rise among Indian women, they still do not perceive themselves at risk. Poor awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the absence of population-based screening contribute to delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge and practice of breast cancer in general and breast self-examination (BSE) amongst urban accredited social health activist in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.Methods:The study was conducted in three phases: pre-intervention phase, intervention phase, and post-intervention phase during 2018. A total of 104 ASHA participants were included and awareness about breast cancer and practices of breast self-examination was assessed through interviewing two different groups at two points of time: Control and Intervention group at the base line and end line. Interventional breast health education was administrated through lectures, charts and silicon breast model for the basic knowledge of the breast cancer. The data had been analyzed by using software Epi info.Results:There was a significant improvement in knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination among the intervention group from pre- to post-test. An overall increase in the awareness of breast cancer 33%, Method of doing BSE of 54% and 42% of BSE practice was observed in the study group after intervention.Conclusion:A significant changes were observed in the knowledge. However, the behavior change requires reinforced training in regular interval.

Predictors of practice of breast self-examination: A study among female undergraduates of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in both developed and developing countries. This study was designed to determine the predictors of practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A three-stage sampling design was used to select 365 female students of the university. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Completion of one academic year qualified students for inclusion. Good knowledge of breast self-examination was determined by proportion of respondents who scored 50% and above of 15 variables used to assess knowledge. The mean age of the students was 22.1 ± 2.5 years. Majority (76.4%) were aware of breast self-examination and health workers; 37.0% were the major source of information. A minor proportion (5.8%) have had their close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer. Majority (55.3%) had good knowledge of breast self-examination. Majority (63.6%) have ever-practiced breast self-examination; however, only 15.9% of the respondents examined their breasts on a monthly basis. Predictors of ever-practiced breast self-examination included having good knowledge of breast self-examination (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] =6.4, 95% CI: 3.9-10.4), having a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.1-15.1), and mother of respondent being self-employed (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.5-1.5). Awareness of breast self-examination and practice were high among the respondents; however, only a minor proportion practiced breast self-examination every month. Having good knowledge of breast self-examination was associated with its practice. Having a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer encouraged the respondents to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer, thus enabling the practice of breast self-examination. Moreover, the practitioners of breast self-examination taught and encouraged others to examine their breasts. There is a need to increase knowledge of breast self-examination through public health education using the media.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination amongst female IT professionals in Silicon Valley of India.

Introduction:Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in India today. Overall outcome of this disease is largely dependent on early detection and medical intervention. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an easy, cost effective, and safe method of screening for the same.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted among female IT professionals and their scores in the fields of knowledge, attitude, and practice were calculated. The scores were categorized linearly as good, fair, and poor, then analyzed in detail. The correlation between knowledge and attitude, attitude and practice, and knowledge and practice were ascertained using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Results:About 356 women spanning from 18 to 55 years of age were included in the study, out of which 44 women (12.35%) gave family history of breast cancer. The mean scores in knowledge, attitude, and practice fields were 18.17 ± 2.90, 27.07 ± 8.14, and 19.11 ± 5.08, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed that knowledge and attitude were not correlated, attitude and practice were not correlated; but knowledge and practice were extremely correlated.Conclusion:Educational programs to create awareness regarding breast cancer and its occurrence, risk factors, screening including BSE, symptoms, need for early help-seeking practices, diagnosis, and treatment modalities are the need of the hour.

A Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Breast Cancer among Reproductive Age Group Women in an Urban Area of Coimbatore

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer representing 25% of all cancers. For every 2 cases diagnosed breast cancer one women dies. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer increases the chance of survival. Breast self -examination (BSE), Clinical breast examination, Mammography are different methods for screening of breast cancer. Only with early detection we can achieve longer survival. Aims and Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast cancer among women of reproductive age group and to suggest necessary recommendations based on the observation to improve awareness of breast cancer in the study population. Methodology: Using Purposive sampling technique 125 women aged 18-49 years were interviewed to assess their Knowledge, attitude and practice in an Urban area of Coimbatore. Results: Among the participants 27.2% had family history of gynaecological cancer, 70.4% know about breast cancer, 40% know the methods of Breast Self-Examination (BSE), 36.8% practice BSE.

Beliefs and behavior of Saudi women in Aseer region toward breast self-examination practice

Background: The breast cancer etiology remains still unclear. Although there have been various studies across the globe, proper prevention protocols or strategies for breast cancer remains limited. Regular breast self-examination could influence management, quality of life, mortality, as well as prognosis of breast cancer in any population. The current study was aimed to investigate the health beliefs and knowledge among Saudi women regarding breast self-examination. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational survey study was carried out in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia using an online self-developed questionnaire distributed via Google forms among the general public. All female citizens and residents in the Aseer area were included in this study. Data were represented in the form of frequencies (number of responders) and valid percentages for categorical variables. Analysis of variance test was utilized to compare means between different subgroups. A p-value &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 473 participants completed the survey. The average score for behavior questions was found at 2.85 ± 1.47, while the average rating for knowledge questions was found at 114.51 ± 36.33. Females aged between 50 and 60, divorced, or with a secondary school degree showed significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.001) levels for knowledge. While females aged between 31 and 35 years old divorced with a university degree had a significantly better (p &amp;lt; 0.001) behavior toward breast cancer and breast self-examination. Conclusion: A poor level of knowledge and poor practices and behavior toward breast self-examination was observed among females of the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Further studies are required in other regions of the country to assess the level of knowledge and behaviors at a broader level to explore the exact reasons behind this poor practice observed.

Assessment of knowledge, Attitude and Practice about breast self-examination among Mizan-tepi university Mizan campus female students Benchi Maji Zone southwest Ethiopia

Background: Breast self-examination is one of the most cost-effective methods of screening for breast cancer detection at the early stage of the disease. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known but it is caused by multiple risk factors. It is a hormone dependent disease with a female to male ratio of 150:1. The incidence of breast cancer among blacks African American and low-income countries is low but the mortality rate from breast cancer is higher among low income countries due to late diagnosis of the disease. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about breast self-examination among Mizan–Tepi University Mizan campus female students who are attaining class by 2018 GC. Methodology: An institutional based descriptive type of cross-sectional study design was conducted on April in 2018 GC in Mizan–Tepi University, Mizan campus, regular female students with a self-administered questionnaire after selecting the required sample size of (369 students) with a multi stage sampling technique. The collected data has been checked for completeness by the group members and the analysis was done manually. Result: The result of our study revealed that there were 369 respondents, who gave with 98.1% response rate. Only 146 (40%) of the respondents had good knowledge 299 (81%) also had a positive attitude and about 18 (18.9%) had practicing breast self-examination (BSE) regularly/every month their main reason for not practicing BSE were lack of knowledge how to perform and I don’t have breast problem 133 (43.5%) and 102 (33.3%) respectively. Conclusion: The obvious lack of knowledge and large percent of poor practice of BSE among the study participants Mizan–Tepi University Mizan campus regular female students highlights the urgent need for educational program as a tool for improving the current knowledge, attitude and practice of female students about breast self-examination through education, short term female student training, through health club and different leaflets related to breast self-examination.

The effect of health promotion program on female breast self-examination knowledge and practice

Background Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method that should be taught at early ages to make women aware about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. It can be performed without the assistance of health professionals after effective education and requires no special equipment. Aim The aim was to evaluate the effect of a health promotion program on female BSE knowledge and practice. Participants and methods A quasi-experimental pretest/post-test was used to implement the current study, at the surgical outpatient departments affiliated to Suez Canal University Hospitals and Beni-Suef University Hospitals, on a convenience sample of 80 women from September 2017 to December 2017. Two tools were used for data collection: A structured interview questionnaire to evaluate the participants’ sociodemographic data, BSE knowledge, barriers to practice BSE, and an observational checklist to assess the BSE practice among the studied female. Results There was a high significant relationship between sociodemographic variables and women’s knowledge and practice on BSE with an increase in their scores after implementation of the health promotion program. Conclusion and recommendations This study concluded that the designed health promotion program could improve BSE among the studied women. The current study recommended implementing health promotion programs and educational instructions to provide more information based on scientific knowledge about BSE to female patients at the hospitals.

Evaluation of Knowledges, Attitudes, and Practices of Breast Self-Examination of High School Female Students in Al-Diwaniyha City

Evaluation of Knowledges, Attitudes, and Practices of Breast Self-Examination of High School Female Students in Al-Diwaniyha City

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Breast Cancer Early Detection Among Women in a Mountainous Area in Northern Vietnam.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women all over the world, also in Vietnam. In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer has been increasing in Vietnam, and most cases are diagnosed at late stages, making treatment more difficult. More and better early detection could help more women to survive. The aim of this study was to identify the current knowledge, attitude and practice about early detection of breast cancer as well as potential predictors of breast cancer screening among women aged 20 to 49 year in a mountainous commune in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, in a largely ethnic Muong population. Women aged 20 to 49 years were selected by systematic random sampling to participate in a cross sectional study in October 2017. They were interviewed with a closed questionnaire about their knowledge of breast cancer, its risk factors, and warning signs. A checklist for performance of breast self-examination was also applied. Three hundred six women agreed to participate in the study. More than half had a low level of knowledge, and were weak in attitude and practice about breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, and mamography. Among women who had practiced at least 1 screening method, 17.0% mentioned clinical breast examination, and only 13.8% reported practicing breast self-examination. Factors associated with practice included knowledge about breast cancer early detection (BCED), ethnicity, income, the BCED information approach, and the BCED screening programs approach. The finding of a very low proportion of women in the mountainous setting with good awareness and practice on early detection of breast cancer is important evidence to inform the BCED intervention program developers about where and how to target which information, especially to reach more ethnic minority women.

Tackling breast cancer in developing countries: insights from the knowledge, attitudes and practices on breast cancer and its prevention among Nigerian teenagers in secondary schools.

SummaryBackgroundBreast cancer occurrences in developing countries are gradually matching caucasian levels. Since early detection is linked to reductions in morbidities and mortality, affordable screening techniques like breast self-examination (BSE) becomes imperative in these resource-limited economies. Ascertaining the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of breast cancers and BSE among young adult females will help provide baseline information for early and targeted interventions.MethodA cross sectional survey involving 432 female senior secondary school students in Otuocha Educational Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria.ResultsA total of 321 (74.3%) valid questionnaires were returned. Mean age was 16.79 ± 1.48 years. Even though 84.6% and 55.2% had respectively heard about breast cancer and BSE, and the ‘General Knowledge’ of breast cancer was high (75.2%), specifics on ‘Risk Factors’ (41.5%) and ‘Symptoms’ (46.1%) were poor.Knowledge on correct BSE ‘Techniques’ was 52.9%, but few know when to commence (43.1%), the right frequency (31.5%), or the right timing (24.6%). A large majority (73.6%) had positive attitudes, but only 6.1% practice it monthly, while 55.3% had never done it at all. No significant predictors of Knowledge and Practice of BSE was identified.ConclusionHealth campaigns on BSE and breast cancers should provide specific details on techniques, risk factors and symptoms, while emphasizing on the right methods, timing and frequency. The positive attitudes identified raise optimism that health interventions would be effective and can have long term benefits. If possible, BSE and breast cancer teachings should be included in the secondary school academic curricula of resource-limited countries.

Practice of Breast Self- Examination among female undergraduate students of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

Objectives : Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the important screening techniques for early detection of malignancy of the breast. The procedure is simple and non-invasive, however, there is inadequate information of breast self-examination practice among students. The study assessed the breast self-examination practice among female undergraduate students of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. Methods : This was a cross sectional survey conducted in 2016 among two hundred and fifty undergraduate students of Adeleke University, Ede who were female. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on the practice of breast self-examination among the study participants. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze data. Results : The mean age of respondents was 20.41±2.52 years. Two third of the study participants were of the Yoruba ethnicity (65.6%) and majority were never married (98.8%). Majority (89.2%) of them were aware of BSE and their main source of information was seminar (42.0%). Only a 35.2% of the study participants stated they practice BSE monthly. Conclusion : There is poor practice of breast self-examination among the study participants. To achieve utmost breast cancer prevention, public health programs should focus on regular and correct performance breast self-examination among female students. Keywords : Practice, Breast Self-Examination, female, undergraduate students

Assessment of breast self-examination practice and its associated factors among female undergraduate students in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016.

BackgroundBreast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, very low-cost, non-invasive early detection method used to detect breast cancer at early stage. It should be done for all women older than 20 years. The aim of this study was to assess BSE practice and associated factors among female undergraduate students in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Departments were selected from College of Business and Economics by using lottery method. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 407 female students from each department. Data were collected by using structured self-administered and pretested questionnaire. Quantitative method was employed. Binary logistic regression and multiple logistic regressions were done to confirm association between variables.ResultsThe finding of this study revealed that 87 (21.4%) of the study participants have practiced BSE. Of whom, 45 (51.7%) participants perform BSE every month and 9 (10.5%) of the study participants perform BSE at the right time, which is 2–3 days after menstruation. Family history of breast cancer, knowledge, and attitude of BSE were found to be significantly associated with BSE practice.ConclusionThis study revealed that majority of study subjects did not practice BSE. So, It’s recommended that the concerned bodies create awareness around BSE and train students on how to practice BSE.