Breast Self-Examination Among Female Adolescents in Nigeria: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Earlier research on breast self-examination among female adolescents has formed different results. This integrative review aimed to summarize the evidence and to compare all existing evidence on the knowledge, attitude, perception, and practices of breast self-examination among female adolescents in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, comprising 36 states. A total of 10 articles were included in the final analysis. The article included in the review was limited to articles published in English between 2017 and 2022. The majority of the respondents in this review had a low knowledge level of breast self-examination for both the cross-sectional studies and the baseline (pre-intervention) assessment for intervention studies, had a poor attitude/perception towards BSE, and also had a poor practice of BSE. The major source of information for female adolescents about BSE is the internet, while pamphlets, and face-to-face interaction greatly improved knowledge for intervention studies. The studies further revealed that hearing about BSE does not translate into knowledge and practice. Intervention programs aimed at improving knowledge and practice of BSE among female adolescents are highly advocated as this would enhance their screening practices, improve early detection rates and sustain changes in behaviour towards BSE. Also, the review further identified peer education as a strategy that can be used to improve BSE knowledge and practices in female adolescents.