Assessment of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among reproductive age women in Akatsi South district of Volta region of Ghana

Abstract

BackgroundBreast cancer is the primary cause of cancer death among women globally, responsible for about 425,000 deaths in 2010. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge and practices of breast self-examination as a method of prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer among reproductive aged women in Akatsi South district in Volta region of Ghana.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study involving 385 women between the ages of 15–49 years. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and variables included socio-demographic characteristics, breast cancer knowledge, breast self-examination knowledge and practice. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and present the data and chi square test of significance was used to determine association between socio-demographic variable and practice of breast self-examination.ResultsThe mean age of the women was 24.54±7.19. Only 3.1% of women had no formal education and 58.9% were single. Although 88.3% of the respondents were aware of breast cancer, 64.9% of the respondents had good or sufficient knowledge of breast cancer and only 94(37.6%) practice BSE. Over 50% of the respondents did not know how to perform BSE. There was a significant association between knowledge on breast cancer and practice of BSE (χ2 = 36.218 p = 0.000). The higher the age of a participant, the lower practice of breast self-examination and this was significant (χ2 = 11.324, p = 0.003).ConclusionBreast self-examination is a key strategy to early detection of breast cancer and subsequently critical for effective treatment and cure of the disease. The findings in this study have shown significant low levels of awareness and practice of breast self-examination among women in Akatsi South district of the Volta region. This pattern may be similar to other rural communities across the region. The need to create awareness and to educate women, especially rural women, on importance of breast self-examination as preventive measure for breast cancer is paramount.

Breast self-examination practice and its determinants among women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This meta-analysis also revealed that women who had good knowledge of breast self-examination had greater odds of breast self-examination practice than those women who had poor knowledge. The finding is supported by a study done in Nigeria [ 135 , 139 ], Cameroon [ 140 ], Ghana [ 141 ], Malaysia [ 142 ], Turkey [ 122 ], Saudi [ 143 ], Iran [ 94 , 124 ], Iraq [ 144 ], Vietnam [ 126 ] and Italy [ 104 ]. The possible explanation could be the knowledge of breast self-examination provided women an opportunity and experience to become aware and familiar with the normal shape and feeling of their breast.…”

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“…[23] Dadzi et al stated that 64.9% of the females had good or sufficient knowledge of breast cancer, and only 37.6% practice BSE. [24] Among the females who heard about BSE but did not practice it, the main reason for not practicing was that they were too busy (62.34%), and about 23.73% said that the BSE is not needed. Alwan et al stated that the most common reason for not doing BSE was a lack of knowledge of how to perform the technique correctly.…”

Structural equation modeling to detect predictors of breast self‐examination behavior: Implications for intervention planning

“…This finding was supported by studies conducted among women elsewhere such as Uganda, Ghana, Buea, Nigeria and India, which shared a conclusion that women who regularly had BSE have a better level of knowledge about breast cancer. 10,12,[38][39][40] The research conducted in Iranian also demonstrated that women who had rich knowledge about breast cancer were 10 times more likely to perform BSE. 41 This implies that knowledge and behavior were interactive processes.…”

“…Moreover, the morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year 3,5–9 . Obviously, breast cancer has become a public health challenge in China, which has brought heavy burden to the society and families 10–12 …”

“…3,[5][6][7][8][9] Obviously, breast cancer has become a public health challenge in China, which has brought heavy burden to the society and families. [10][11][12] Breast cancer is a curable malignancy. Early detection can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life of patients.…”