AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

There is evidence that women who practice BSE are more likely to detect a lump in the early stage of its development thereby influencing early treatment and a better survival rate. Early detection of breast cancer plays an important role in reducing its morbidity and mortality. This study is a cross sectional study carried out among 423 female students in The Polytechnic, Ibadan to describe their awareness and practice of breast self examination. The study tool was a structured self administered questionnaire to obtain information on the socio demographic characteristics, knowledge of breast cancer, awareness, attitude and practice of breast self examination. The mean age of the respondent was found to be 22.5±4 years with the minimum and maximum age being 15 years and 45 years respectively. Majority of the students of (86.1 %) had heard of BSE . More than half (68.8%) of the respondents did not know the proper way to perform it though 80.9% claimed they could perform it. However, only 9.5% of the respondents actually practiced it regularly. Attitude to practice of BSE among respondents (OR=4.048 ; CI=2 .086- 7.854) and awareness of BSE (OR= 12.659; CI= 6.484- 24.689) have significant effect on practice of breast self examination among the respondents in this study. Based on the respondents responses, it is inferred that information on breast cancer , its impact and screening practices might either not be communicating its message or failing to reach enough women, resulting in confusion and misinformation. Holistic interventions of stakeholders should be combined in eradicating hindrances to health literacy on sensitive health issues such as breast cancer whose treatment begins with the individuals.