Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Rivers State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Hope Ilanye Bellgam Department of Internal Medicine University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
  • Yvonne Dabota Buowari Riverine Community Medical Centre, No 129/133 Woji Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt

Keywords:

Breast Cancer, Self Examination, Developing Countries

Abstract

Background: Screening for early detection of diseases is an important public health principle. Breast self- examination is one of the vital screening techniques for early detection of breast disease and breast cancer, which is the commonest cancer in women.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 in three Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire.

Results: The age range of respondents was 21-85 years. Two hundred and eleven (16.06%) have heard of breast self-examination, of which 200(28.94%) practice It. Knowledge and awareness of BSE is affected by education as 3 (0.43%) of respondents with primary education, 146(21.13%) secondary education and 125(18.09%) with tertiary education have heard of breast self-examination. None of the respondents without formal education have heard or practice breast self-examination.

Conclusion: In developing countries owing to resource crunch and diagnostic facilities being too costly, breast self- examination is an effective and economic preventive mode. Hence, early detection and screening by self-examination should be promoted.

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Published

2015-12-09

How to Cite

Bellgam, H. I., & Buowari, Y. D. (2015). Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Nigerian Health Journal, 12(1), 16. Retrieved from https://tnhjph.com/index.php/tnhj/article/view/80

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