Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Students in Sari Islamic Azad University

Introduction & Aim: Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the ways of prevention and early detection of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess female university students’ knowledge of breast cancer and their practice of BSE. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire study was conducted between November 2015and August 2016 and included female students from three colleges of Islamic Azad University in Sari (Medical sciences, Humanities, Science and Technology). The group sample was selected through stratified random method from these students. The questionnaire included 33 questions testing knowledge of risk factors, warning signs and practice of BSE. Results: The participants (n=414) were most frequently between 25 and 30 years old (33.8%) and never married (59.9%) A family history of breast cancer was reported by 87(21%). The percentage of participants who had high knowledge scores and practice of BSE was 94.7% and 13.5% respectively. Significantly higher practicescores were noticed among participants with a family history of breast cancer (P=0.03). There was a significant correlation between field of study (medical sciences) and knowledge scores on risk factors and practice of BSE (P= 0.0001 and P= 0.024 respectively). Conclusion: A profound lack of practice of BSE eas noted among female university students shows proper and more intense educational programs about even in higher education institutions

Keywords:

knowledge , Breast self-examination , Students