BREAST CANCER KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AND SELF- EXAMINATION PRACTICE AMONG THE UNDERGRADUTES OF NILE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of breast cancer, practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and to identify factors associated with knowledge of breast cancer and BSE among the undergraduates of Nile University of Nigeria. A descriptive survey using 424 self-administered questionnaire were administered randomly in proportion to students at all Levels in the departments. Data collected was presented using frequency distribution tables/percentages and multiple regression and analyzed accordingly. The findings showed that half of the respondents have good knowledge of breast cancer. There were statistically significant relationship between knowledge of breast cancer and marital status, religion, level of the student in the university and course of study. More than half of the singles were most likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer, followed by a good number of the married, while the few divorced were least likely. The Muslims were most likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer, followed by the Christians, while those belonging to other religions were least likely. The 500 level student were most likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer this could be as a result of the level in school, having been taught the subject in class and due to clinical experience for the medical students. Followed by the 300 level and 200 level students, while the 100 level students were least likely. The medical students were more likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer than the non-medical students. The respondents had a good knowledge of breast cancer with statistically significant relationship between knowledge of breast cancer, marital status, religion, level of the respondents in the university and course of study. There was also a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, awareness about breast cancer.  It was concluded that the respondents had a good knowledge of breast cancer with statistically significant relationship between knowledge of breast cancer, marital status, religion, level of the respondents in the university and course of study. There was also a statistically significant association between knowledge of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, awareness about breast cancer. It was then recommended that health education campaigns using prints and electronic media can be used on campus and even adverts on the school’s portal to enlighten students on the importance of regular Breast self-examination in early detection of breast cancer and there is also need for the government and school management to make breast cancer screening program available in the school clinic and should be made affordable to the students. This will be very important for breast cancer detection and increases awareness on campus and the society at large.