Breast self-Examination (BSE) is the cheapest most recommended Breast Cancer (BC) preventive tool for resource-deprived settings. There is paucity in the attitude research domain and comparative gender assessments of the BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the combined and exclusive gender BSE attitude of undergraduate health trainees and to determine significant differences between scores of both genders.The study used an online cross-sectional survey method. 336 health undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences (CoHS) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) were purosively sampled for assessment of their BSE knowledge, attitude and performarmance (KAP). The study found that compared to the construction groups’ average norm of 101.17 (SD = 9.55), our study participants’ (SPs) BSE attitude was lower (92.51; SD = 11.80). However, using popular mid-point and 3- part attitude scoring methods, our SPs’ attitude scores were comparable to sub-regional and national findings. Moreover,the male participants scored a generally high BSE attitude but significantly lower compared to their female counterparts (p < 0.5). The study recommend the need to adjust the curricula of all health trainees in developing nations such as Ghana to reflect relevant BC preventive measures. Furthermore, BSE research, education and advocacy should involve more males as important BC BSE stake holders.
Breast Cancer (BC) is fast becoming a public health concern in resource deprived settings. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive BC preventive method. There is paucity in BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) and correlates research evidence in health trainee undergraduates in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to examine Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees. The study used a mixed method approach among 336 purposively sampled health trainee students. The study revealed that, majority (80.6%) of the female SPs ever practiced BSE, but only 38.3% performed routine monthly checks as recommended and a male minority (36.7%) had ever practised BSE. The study also found a significant positive (r = 0.282, p = 0.000) and very weak insignificant positive correlation (p = 0.041, p = 0.041) between their attitude towards BSE and health LOC on one hand and with their SWL scores respectively. The study recommends a restructuring of curricular of health trainee courses to prioritize BSE as the best BC preventive measure in resource deprived settings. Also many more males must be allowed participation in BSE KAP advocacy, education and research as important stakeholders. Moreover, BSE education must focus on regular routine performance for both males and females. Finally, health professionals as determinants of breast health (LOC) must be factored into BSE education.
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