Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self Examination in Women of Okrika Kalio-Ama Community Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State

Background: Breast self-examination is one of the non-invasive methods of screening in which a woman looks at her breast for any unusual changes like lumps, distortions, or swellings. Despite the impact of breast self-examination in detecting breast cancer earlier, the vast majority of cases still present with an advanced stage. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, particularly in low income countries.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate breast self-examination habits and knowledge among women in their reproductive age in the Kalio-Ama village in Okrika LGA, Rivers State.

Methods: Women residing in the study area were the subjects of a cross-sectional study. A straightforward random selection technique was employed to choose 250 individuals. Questionnaires given by interviewers were utilized to gather data. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 23.

Results: From the total of 250 women participated in the study with a response rate of 100%. Of these, 250 (100%) of the respondents have heard of breast self-examination, 25 (10%) heard about it at home, 180 (72%) heard about it at the health facility while 45 (18%) heard on social media, 190 (76%) said self-examination of the breast is essential for early detection of breast cancer, 180 (72%) had knowledge and skills of BSE, 190 (76%) agreed that BSE will lead to early detection of breast cancer, 250 (100) of the respondents have practiced breast self-examination, 160 (64%) practice BSE on monthly bases while 90 (36%) practice BSE when necessary, 160 (64%) will continue the practice of BSE, 160 (64%) derive pleasure in carrying out BSE. There was a significant relationship (p-value<0.05) between the following factors (health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age) and execution of BSE.

Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that there is adequate sufficient understanding and experience in BSE among women of childbearing age in the study area and factors such as health motivation, higher perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination, marital status, family history of breast cancer and age impact of the practice of BSE among women in Rivers State.