Knowledge And Attitude Towards The Practice Of Breast Self Examination Among Women In Namuwongo Zones A And B

Abstract

Background: The study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude and practice about breast self- examination among women in Namuwongo Zones A and B in February 2017 with an aim of preventing breast cancer among women. Methodology: The study was carried out using a descriptive cross sectional design where 143 respondents were used. These were selected by simple random sampling. Data was collected through self administered interviews and data was analysed by Microsoft excel and Chi-Square Tests. Results: Majority 81 (56.3%) of the respondents were between 18 and 30 years, 84 (58.7%) were married, 65 (45.7%) had secondary education, 50 (34.8%) were housewives, 118 (82.4%) were Christians and 131 (91.4%) had never had family members who suffered from breast cancer. Respondents had good knowledge about breast self examination because; all of them had ever heard of it where 77 (54.2%) heard from the media. Many rightly knew the signs of breast cancer 106 (73.8%). 112 (78.4%) knew that breast cancer could be detected early enough through physical identification of the signs and symptoms. 110 (77.2%) knew the right age BSE should be carried (above 19 years) and 123(85.8%) knew that it could be done by palpating with the palm and a minimum of three fingers. However, they did not know that it was only for females 82 (57%) and did not know it should be carried out weekly. Majority had negative attitudes towards breast self-examination because; 106 (74.1%) perceived BSE as a sex abuse action and obscene, 89 (62.2%) believed could never know whether they had breast cancer through BSE and 75 (52.4%) didn’t know BSE helps in prevention of breast carcinoma. Respondents’ practices towards breast self-examination were generally poor. In the first instance few had ever performed BSE. The few; 55 (38.3%) who had ever done it, never did it regularly where 32 (58.6%) of them examined their breasts monthly, 31 (38.9%) had last examined their breasts six months ago and mainly did it in the evening 24 (46.2%). Conclusion: Despite having good knowledge about BSE, they had negative attitude towards it where they did not believe that could detect breast cancer themselves which deterred their will to perform BSE. The researcher therefore suggests enhancing health education and sensitization to all females about the prevalence of breast cancer and the importance of BSE. Recommendation: Extensive health education campaigns should be provided to the community. Nurses should play role in developing a collaborative care model to provide education to the public.