Abstract:
Introduction: Early detection of breast cancer is important to reduce morbidity and
mortality related to the disease. Breast self-examination is one of the screening methods used
for early detection of breast cancer that it should be promoted in resource scarce countries
like Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess the practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among
secondary school female teachers in Gammo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia.
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March1-30/2018.
Simple random sampling (lottery) method was applied to recruit districts and towns from the
study area. Study participants from each selected district and town were selected by using
similar method after obtaining their list from selected districts and town educational bureau.
Self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and Pre-test conducted on 5% of
samples. Data was cleaned, coded and entered into Epi data manager TM and then exported to
SPSS V 21. Results were presented using tables, graphs and percentage. Bi-variable and
multi-variable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The OR with 95% CI was
computed and the significance of the test was decided at p-value of 0.05.
Results: Eighty two (34.3%) respondents had ever performed BSE and from these, 32
(13.4%) practiced BSE monthly (regularly). The main sources of information for BSE were
television (33.5%), radio (24.7%), and health professionals (21.8%). Being knowledgeable on
BSE [AOR=2.84, 95%CI (1.41, 5.72)], Ever heard about BSE [AOR=2.26, 95%CI (1.07,
4.77)], being Married [AOR=4.09, 95%CI (1.64, 10.22)], having less perceived barrier to
BSE [AOR=2.62, 95%CI (1.26, 5.46)],having high perceived confidence[AOR=3.63, 95%CI
(1.79, 7.39)] and motivation to BSE[AOR=3.29, 95%CI (1.15, 9.45)] were significant
predictors of BSE practice.
Conclusion: In this study, both ever practice and regular practice of breast self-examination
were very low. The main reasons for not practicing Breast self-examination were, not knowing
how to perform BSE and forgetfulness (for regular practice). An integrated work on
behavioral change communication and interferences that focusing on improving the
knowledge on BSE, Skills on how to perform BSE and the identified domains of health belief
model such as (perceived barrier, perceived confidence and perceived motivation) may be the
most effective strategies that should be considered by Gammo Gofa Zone Health and
Educational office.
