Breast Self-Examination Practice and Its Associated Factor among the Women of Reproductive Age of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, Banke District

Abstract

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a screening method used to detect early breast cancer which involves the women herself looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. BES is a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive procedure which helps a woman to know her breast and allows her to detect changes in the breast; such as breast masses or lumps. Method: Descriptive cross sectional study design was used to assess the Practice on breast self-examination and its associated factors because the use of descriptive design for the study gathers data directly from respondents from their natural environment for the purpose of studying their practice level regarding to Breast Self-Examination. This study followed quantitative study. Quantitative study was used to identify practice on Breast self-examination and its factors association. Result: The main findings of the study showed that 12.2% have practice the breast self-examination. Source of information regarding BSE among respondents were found 72.5% from health professional and mass media 6.5%. The researcher’s study finding revel that knowledge regarding BSE was found adequate in 44.3% of respondents. Research study also illustrates that only 19.6% have examined their breast. 50.8% of the respondent state lack of knowledge and 36.7% respondent stated lack of self-confidence level for not performing BSE. 8.3% reported that they practice it occasionally and remaining 0.4% and 3.5% practice monthly and weekly respectively. Similarly, 85.7% didn’t find any abnormalities. Whereas 14.3 % have notice, after seen abnormalities 100% of them have visit hospital for check-up. Only 17.8% have informed about family history among 28. And only 7.2% of them follow the periodic health check-up. Whereas, 14.3% had done annual check-up and 85.7% had not done. In this it was found that there was no association between the different factors such as age, education, occupation, ethnicity and other socio-demographic factor of the respondent. Lack of awareness among the women about BSE was the major issue for not practicing Breast self-examination in a community level. Conclusion: The finding of the study concluded that practice regarding BSE is inadequate and there is no any association between practice and demographic status. The study suggested that upgrade the knowledge of BSE and increase the practice of BSE. Thus, various educational intervention/awareness programs should be conducted in a community level as for self-preventive practice. Key words: Breast self-examination.