Factors associated with breast self-examination practices among junior and senior nursing students in baguio city

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Background/Objectives: Breast cancer appears to be a disease of both the developing and developed worlds. It is the leading type of cancer in women. Hence, screening for early detection and diagnosis of diseases and health conditions is an important public health principle. Breast Self Examination (BSE) is a process whereby women examine their breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swelling or lumps in order to seek prompt medical attention. The main aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with breast self-examination among medical allied students in selected universities of Baguio City. Specifically, it sought to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of breast self-examination among junior and senior nursing students in Baguio City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 selected universities in Baguio City using a standard survey questionnaire from September 2-26, 2009. A questionnaire comprising four parts; socio-demographic, knowledge, attitudes, and practices were utilized to gather data. Results: The majority of respondents were young catholic females with no history of breast cancer in the family who had heard about BSE and had information on BSE. The knowledge of the majority on BSE is generally high and above average. Out of seven questions, 76% of the respondents scored average and above average with 6% having perfect score. Only 24% got a score below the mean. On the other hand, the subjectsâ€™ practice on BSE is not done on a consistent basis and with correct technique. Thus, it needs improvement even though they had the knowledge of BSE and its benefits. The practicing of BSE by student nurses calls for improvement as they will be the front line personnel educating people who need to perform BSE. Conclusion: The effectiveness of BSE depends on education, compliance, and outreach among women and on conscientious and regular self-examination; therefore, BSE should be thoroughly discussed and demonstrated in the nursing curriculum.