Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-examination Among Female Students in Institutions of Higher Learning: a Case of Mount Kenya University

Abstract

This study is about breast self-examination practice by female students in Mount Kenya University. It was informed by studies by other scholars who indicated that the number of young women getting breast cancer was on the rise. This is worrying, and so the main objective of the study was to establish the extent of awareness of risk factors causing breast cancer among female students. The specific objectives guiding the study included finding out if female students were aware of the cancer risk factors, examining their perceptions on breast cancer, determining the level of breast self-assessment and finally ascertaining the reliability of practices used by female students in breast self- examination. A survey was thus conducted where 180 respondents were issued with questionnaires to collect quantitative data out of which 176 were successfully returned. About 64% of these participants had the belief that the most suitable method to control breast cancer was by early detection including other likely preventive measures. Majority of the participants (98%) knew about BSE but less than half practice it. They had learnt this through radio and television. But only, 18% embraced BSE; the main reasons for failure of BSE screening included absence of adequate knowledge on the procedure and lack of time. It was concluded that there was a great need to create awareness through sharing of information on breast cancer, risk factors and BSE. The study recommends further study to be conducted on what factors could contribute to the improvement of women’s attitude and practice of BSE.