A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Breast Self-Examination among Rural Women in Odisha

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and it can be detected at an early stage through breast self‑examination which increases the chance of survival. This study aimed to assess knowledge of breast self‑examination (BSE) among females in a rural area of Nayagarh district. The objectives of the study were to assess awareness about breast cancer, identify knowledge about breast self-examination among rural women and its association with the selected demographic variable. The study period was 3 month (July to September 2015). This cross‑sectional study was carried out among a total sample of 150 women in rural area of Odisha. Methods of data collection was through interview schedule by using semi structured questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, awareness on breast cancer, and knowledge of BSE. The mean age of the study group was 33.6 ± 9.3 years. Majority (90.6%) belong to the reproductive age group. 71% were literates. Majority (55%) of women were housewives and 21% of women were employed in elementary occupations. Most of the women 351 (78%) were aware of breast cancer. Only 26% of the women were aware of BSE. The mean scores in attitude, and practice fields were 26.68 ± 9.8 and 12.52 ± 4.09 respectively. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient showed that knowledge and attitude were correlated, attitude and practice were not correlated; and knowledge and practice were also not correlated. Conclusion: educational programs to create awareness about breast cancer and its occurrence, risk factors, screening including BSE, symptoms, need for early help seeking, diagnosis and treatment modalities are the need of the hour. Age of women showed significant negative correlation with knowledge level. Knowledge about breast cancer and BSE decreased with increasing age. The level of knowledge increased with increasing level of education, which was statistically significant.