Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female medical students of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. Early detection using clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, and breast self-examination (BSE) is important in improving treatment outcome and prognosis of persons with breast cancer. Objectives: This study investigates the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among female medical students at University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A hundred and twenty (120) medical students were selected by stratified random sampling methods and their knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE were assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.53 ± 2.18 years. Few students (5.8%) reported a positive family history of Breast cancer. About two thirds, (69.2%) of students had good knowledge of BSE and this was higher among clinical students (p>.005). Almost three quarters, (74.2%) of students practice BSE and good practice was highest in the 300-level class (95%). There were significant associations between age, academic level and knowledge of BSE with the practice of breast self- examination Conclusion: The study showed that good knowledge and attitude towards BSE corresponded with a good practice of BSE. This might be explained by the health care information they have received in the course of their studies. One can therefore safely propose that giving relevant health care information to other students may improve the practice of BSE and help increase early detection of breast cancer.