Breast Self Examination Practice among Female Students of Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

Against the background of the dangers posed by breast cancer world-wide, and the importance of its early detection and therefore breast self examination (BSE), this study investigated the practice of BSE among female students in tertiary institutions in Edo state. A sample of 723 participants selected through a combination of multi-stage, systematic and convenience sampling methods was surveyed with the aid of questionnaire. Out of this, 674 were retrieved and usable. Data analysis involved multiple regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated a high level of practice of BSE. While parental background and family history of breast cancer had no significant impact on practice of BSE, course of study, type of tertiary institution and knowledge of BSE impacted significantly on practice of BSE. It is therefore recommended that enlightenment campaigns on BSE should continue while research efforts should be directed at ascertaining under what circumstances knowledge of BSE docs not translate into its practice.

Keywords: breast self examination, BSE, knowledge of BSE, practice of BSE, family background