Abstract:
Background: Breast self- examination (BSE) is a screening method for breast cancer which can be done by the woman herself by inspecting and palpating on her breasts to identify any abnormal findings such as lumps or any discharge. The procedure is simplest and cost effective method for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the practice of Breast Self- Examination and its associated factors among female health professionals at Nifas Silk Lafto sub city Health Centers.
Method: Facility based cross-sectional study design was applied. Nifas Silk Lafto sub-city was selected randomly using lottery method. The questionnaire was pretested for clarity and consistency. One day training was given for data collectors. Consent and Confidentiality was assured. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to female health care professionals (349) at 10 Health Centers from Jan 22-Feb 21, 2020. Data was entered in to epi-info 7 version and analyzed using SPSS version 20, univariate, binary logistic regression and multivariate analysis. P-value < 0.05, 95%CI was taken for level of significance.
Results: From the total study participants (349), 260 (74.5%) of them had ever practice breast self-examination, and 120 (46.2%) of them practice breast self-examination regularly in a monthly basis. Marital status, Knowledge and Education found to have significant association with the practice of breast self -examination. Being married practiced Breast Self- Examination. [AOR=2.017;95% Cl, (1.196 - 3.4000] with p- value 0/0.008. Educational background with degree and above [AOR=2.508; 95% Cl, {1.368-4. 59)] with p-value<0.003. Those who had good knowledge were practiced BSE [AOR=1.87; 95% ct. (J.008-3.150)) with p-value 0.04.
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study revealed that less than half the respondents didn't
practice regular Breast Self -Examination. So it would be better that the concerned body plan pre-service and in-service trainings on Breast Self-Examination and awareness' creation campaigns
for the public.................................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library