Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examiniation Among Female Undergraduate Students. A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective This study was aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among female undergraduate students. Methods Two hundred and thirty-seven female students were recruited in this cross-sectional survey, using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire designed by researcher and data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Result The results showed that the majority of the respondents were between the ages of 21–25 years, 100% of the respondents were aware of breast cancer, 95.4% were aware of BSE while 203 (93.6%) would seek care if they discovered any abnormalities in their breast. However, 67.7% of the respondents practiced BSE. Conclusion The respondents had good knowledge and a positive attitude toward breast self-examination; however, they did not practice BSE even though they know the benefit. Mass media provided the most information to these respondents about breast cancer and breast self-examination. It is recommended that further study should be carried out among market women to determine their level of knowledge and practice.