Practice of breast self-examination among rural women in Umuowa, Orlu government area, Imo state, Nigeria

Authors

  • Ada C. Nwaneri Department of Nursing, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Anthonia Chidinma Emesowum Department Nursing, Imo State University, Orlu Campus, Owerri, Nigeria
  • Eunice Ogonna Osuala Department of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Awka, Nigeria
  • Ijeoma Okoronkwo Department of Nursing, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Patricia Uzor Okpala Department of Nursing, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria
  • Florence O. Adeyemo Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, LadokeAkintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Osun state

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161621

Keywords:

Awareness, Breast self- examination, Breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Regular practice of breast self- examination is the corner stone of the fight against breast cancer. Increasing breast health awareness would potentially allow for early detection of any anomalies and consequently result in early prognosis. This will in turn lead to increase in survival rate of breast cancer.This study was designed to assess practice of breast self- examination (BSE) among rural women.

Methods:Descriptive survey design with the aid of a questionnaire which served as an interview schedule was conducted among 349 women in Umuowa Orlu L.G.A. The main outcome measures were the level of awareness and practice of BSE.   

Results: From a total of 349 women, a little above half (50%) of the respondents understood the meaning of BSE. Few of the respondents knew that BSE increases survival rate of breast cancer by early detection of abnormalities. Majority of the respondents did not know the abnormalities to check during BSE. Only a few of the respondents knew that BSE should be performed by every woman. Generally, the practice of BSE was inadequate for majority of the participants. There was a positive relationship between the respondents’ awareness of breast cancer and their practice of BSE (P-value = 0.000<0.05).

Conclusions:The importance of BSE as a key factor in the early detection of breast cancer should be stressed with special emphasis on regular practice of BSE. The proper procedure of BSE should be taught to women in order to ensure accuracy of performance.

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Published

2017-01-05

How to Cite

Nwaneri, A. C., Emesowum, A. C., Osuala, E. O., Okoronkwo, I., Okpala, P. U., & Adeyemo, F. O. (2017). Practice of breast self-examination among rural women in Umuowa, Orlu government area, Imo state, Nigeria. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 3(6), 1516–1524. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161621

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Original Research Articles