Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Associated Factors Among Female Nurses of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia, 2018

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and it is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Despite most of the cases found at developed countries, majority of death occur in low income countries including Ethiopia. Routine breast self-examination is important for early detection to augment prevention of breast cancer by 50% and reduce premature death of women. In active role in creating breast cancer awareness through education, nurses need to have a sound knowledge base and adequate practical skills in the field of breast cancer prevention. The aim of this study was to assess practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and associated factors among nurses. Methods: A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018 on a sample of 180 female nurses. Pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data entry was done using EPI Info 3.5.4 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 software package for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed with logistic regression to measure the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: Total of 180 nurses were interviewed with a response rate of 91.8%. This study revealed that (71.2%) of nurses ever practiced BSE. From those nurses practiced BSE, only (28.1%) regularly; (16.4%) monthly (right response) and (32.0%) of a week after menses. Seven of them detected a breast mass/lump and only (16.4%) of nurses have taught BSE technique to their clients. Educational status of the nurses (AOR and 95% CI: 2.91; 1.74, 4.85) and family history of breast cancer (AOR and 95% CI: 5.2; 2.34, 8.15 were significantly associated with BSE practice. Conclusion: This study discovered severe gap about the correct practice of BSE among female nurses. The hospital and ministry of health of Ethiopia have to give regular education and training on BSE especially how to practice BSE correctly.