Assessment of Breast Cancer Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self - Examination Among Female Students In Madawalabu University, Bale, Ethiopia
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Date
2014-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is a disease of public health importance. It results in high morbidity
and mortality in women worldwide. Breast examination as a screening tool for breast cancer in
developing countries is advocated in view of its cost-effectiveness.
Early detection of breast cancer using breast self-examination (BSE) plays an important role in
decreasing its morbidity and mortality.
Objective: To assess breast cancer awareness and practice of breast self-examination among
female students in Madawalabu University Bale, Ethiopia, 2014
Methods:
Cross-sectional study design was employed from December –June, 2014 in
Madawalabu University.
First the students were divided in to two practical strata, which are health science students and
non-health science students. From each stratum, participants were selected by simple random
sampling based on the proportion of the number of female students in each stratum that was 39
health science students and 383 non- health science students.
Self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered with Epi Info
version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS statistical package version 16.0. Bivariate and
multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.
Result: This study found that only [31.0%] of students had awareness about breast cancer and
[15.5%] practiced BSE. The three main reasons for not doing BSE were belief that there is no
problem with their breast [50.8%], not knowing the technique of BSE [40.0%], and Lack of
privacy [15%].
Awareness about breast cancer and got information about BSE by health professionals were
found significantly associated with practice of BSE. Respondents in the health related disciplines
were six times more likely to practice BSE than other respondents.
Conclusion: Awareness of breast cancer and BSE practice was found low in this study. Having
information on the importance of BSE was predictor of BSE practice
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Keywords
Breast Cancer, Practice of Breast Self - Examination