Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors among Secondary School Female Teachers in Gammo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia

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.