The Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-examination Among Healthcare Workers in Kayseri, Turkey

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and cause of death among women in many countries. Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is an effective diagnostic method for breast cancer. This study aimed to determine the knowledge level and practice frequency of BSE among healthcare workers in Kayseri, Turkey. Data were collected via a questionnaire that was prepared based on information in the literature. The questionnaire was composed of 2 sections: sociodemographic characteristics and practice and knowledge related to BSE. The sample group included 246 healthcare workers. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, (post hoc) Dunn, and chi tests were used in the analyses of data. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 29.0 (5.6) years. Most (58.1%) were married, and a family history of breast cancer was reported by 12.2%. Of the respondents, 35% stated that they did not know how to conduct an examination of their breasts. Although 52.4% (n = 129) of the women reported that they performed BSE, only 17.0% (n = 22) reported doing so on a monthly basis. The practice of BSE was significantly associated with older, more educated medical secretaries; a positive personal history of breast problems; and a positive family history of breast cancer (P < .05). Healthcare workers had a low mean level of knowledge about the practice of BSE (mean [SD] score, 11.70 [10.07]; range, 0-40). The scores of the women who stated that they practiced BSE were significantly higher (P = .000) than those who reported that they did not. Healthcare workers need to improve their knowledge of and sensitivity toward BSE.

Breast self-examination among nurses in Poland and their reparation in this regard

“…The percentage was lower in Poland, in the United Arab Emirates (61.5%) [39] and much higher than in India (15.6%) [38]. Among the surveyed female health care workers, nurses among them, in Turkey 17% [34], Iran 6% [35] and 39.5% regularly practised BSE [36]. In Poland, on the recommended or chosen date, BSE was performed by 67.3% nurses with regular menstruation, and by only 30.4% post-menopausal respondents.…”

“…The available papers concern nurses and female health care workers in Asia, i.e. Turkey [34], Iran [35,36], Pakistan [37], India [38], and the United Arab Emirates [39]. The number of examined persons in these countries was small (from 119 to 410).…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors about Breast Self-Examination and Mammography among Female Primary Healthcare Workers in Diyarbakır, Turkey

“…The questionnaire form was derived from our own experience and other published studies dealing with the same topic. The study conducted by Güleser et al [ 11 ] was particularly taken into consideration in the preparation of the items. While the first part of the questionnaire contained sociodemographic characteristics of respondents (including age, current marital status, level of education, family history of BC, and history of breast health problems), the second part consisted of items focusing on the respondents' attitudes towards BSE and their practices of BSE as well as frequency of these practices.…”

Health Beliefs and Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among a Group of Female Health Professionals in Turkey

“…There are limited studies on the beliefs and behaviors of FHPs with regard to BC screening in Turkey (9)(10)(11)(12)15) and in the world (13,14). In addition to these, the results of several studies carried out in Turkey showed that FHPs may have a low sensitivity with regard to screening behavior.…”

“…In countries such as Turkey, they can achieve this goal by acting as positive role models, and by gaining more knowledge on early detection methods (8,9). Therefore, it is imperative that FHP comply with BSE, CBE and MMG testing.…”