Browsing by Author "Hana Bekele"

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    Perception, Intention and Barriers to Breast Self Examination Practice among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Maternal and Child Health Services at Dilla Public Health Facilities; Dilla, Ethiopia A Qualitative Study
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06-05) Hana Bekele; Semarya Berhe
    Background- The ultimate purpose of breast self-examination is detection and treatment of breast cancer in its early stage. Early identification of breast cancer through breast self examination and diagnosis plays an important role in reducing morbidity from breast cancer. But most women do not perform breast self- examination in low-income countries because of different reasons such as misperception and lack of knowledge of breast self- examination. Objectives – The study aimed to explore perception, intention and barriers of breast self examination practice among women of reproductive age attending Maternal and Child Health services at Dilla public health facilities. Methods- A qualitative method with exploratory design was conducted from February 26 to March 22, 2024 among women of reproductive age attending maternal and child health services at Dilla public health facilities. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria were selected purposively and the data was collected employing an individual, in-depth interview technique using semi- structured interview guide by the principal investigator and the research assistant. An in-depth interview was done until saturation is reached and 24 participants were interviewed. Each interview lasted approximately for 20-30 minutes. Atlas ti 9 program were used to support the analysis. Result: The data revealed three themes that are consistent with the study's aims: - perception, intention, and Barriers to breast self-examination practice. In this study, women reported that they had no intention to practice breast self-examination due to their misunderstanding about BSE that, breast self-examination is not necessary. Women who perceive breast self-examination beneficial for early diagnosis of breast cancer have more tendencies to practice it while barriers such as lack of knowledge about breast cancer and breast self-examination and also religious and traditional beliefs regarding the disease and its treatments preventing them from practicing. Conclusion: Most of the women who perceive breast self-examination is unimportant were not intending to practice. Personal factors, lack of knowledge and information and religious & traditional beliefs about breast cancer were the main barriers to breast self-examination practice. Thus, it is essential to collaborate with various responsible organizations, healthcare professionals and community to promote awareness of breast self-examination. Keywords: Perception, intention, barrier, breast self-examination, reproductive age