BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FEMALE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AT DIRE DAWA ADMINISTRATION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA
Imam Dagne, Firehiwot Tesfaye, Neil Abdurashid and Robel Mekonnen*
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. An estimated 521,900 breast cancer deaths occurred in women in 2012. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is the recommended method for screening and early detection in developing countries because it is easy, convenient, private, safe, and requires no specific equipment. However, the practice of BSE is low and varies in different countries. Objective: To assess level of self-breast examination practice and associated factors among Female healthcare workers (HCWs) found in Dire Dawa from March 1 to March 30, 2017. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 387 female HCWs. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used after informed consent obtained from the participants. Binary logistic regression was used and significant variables were further adjusted using multivariate analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered as level of significance. Result: The overall level of BSE practice in this study was 38.2%. Female HCWs with higher education status, high clinical experience, positive attitude and good knowledge were significantly associated with BSE practice. This study showed that female HCWs had a good knowledge and positive attitude towards BSE but their regular practice of BSE was low. Effective health education campaigns will be needed to elucidate the risk factors and prevention of breast cancer not only to nurses, but also the public at large. Strengthening service delivery at the provider and facility level to improve prompt access to effective breast cancer diagnostic and treatment services.
Keywords: Breast cancer, breast self-examination Practice, Female HCWs, Dire Dawa Ethiopia.
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