Breast self-examination among nurses in Poland and their reparation in this regard

Abstract

Introduction and objective. Working at night and in shifts, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, may increase the risk of breast cancer in nurses who therefore should frequently perform breast self-examination (BSE). The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of BSE among Polish nurses, its accuracy, sources of knowledge and skills, self-assessment of own competences and preparation to educate women about BSE. Materials and method. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of female nurses (N=1,242). An anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. To properly assess the BSE a four-item scale was made of the type single best answer multiple choice question. Each item referred to one agreed principle of performing BSE. Results. Regularly BSE was performed by 56.1% nurses, 67.3% pre-menopause nurses 2-3 days after cessation of menstruation and 30.4% post-menopause women on a chosen day of the month. About 98% examined visually and by palpation; 58.9% did so in two positions. In the accuracy scale of BSE, the average number of points was 2.8 out of 4. All (4 points) or almost all (3 points) recommendations of accurate BSE were met by 61.4% of the nurses. Self-assessment of knowledge and BSE practical skills were considered as good or very good by 93.5% and 88.8% nurses, respectively. The self-evaluation of nurses' knowledge and BSE skills was significantly correlated with the result on the accuracy scale or this BSE. Conclusions. Many deficiencies concerning frequency, times and BSE techniques were revealed among Polish nurses. There is a discrepancy between the high self-assessment of competences and the accurate practice of BSE. Nurses' preparation in Poland in BSE is insufficient and requires improvement.

Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Family Planning Service in Modjo Public Health Facilities Southwest Ethiopia

“…This is almost similar to the study conducted in the Philippines both standing and lying position but was lower than the study conducted in Poland. 30 , 32 …”

“…30 BSE practicing technique: In this study, correct BSE practicing techniques is the inspection of the breast in front of the mirror, palpation of the breasts with the pads of the fingers in a circular motion, or squeezing the tip of breasts for discharge. 30,31 Ever practiced BSE: practicing BSE at least once before. Frequency /regular BSE practice: the practice of BSE monthly.…”

Practice of Breast Self-Examination and Associated Factors Among Female Nurses of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia, 2018

“…In this study, only (16.4%) of nurses have taught BSE technique to their clients while (42.9%) polish nurses educate women [28]. The difference may be one of the reason to unsatisfactory result of accurate BSE practice in this study.…”

“…This study also identified that only (47.6 %) of nurses used all position of BSE while (58.9%) Poland nurses performed the examination both in the standing and lying position [28]. The discrepancy might be due to difference in the study area as Poland nurses may have had better experience and knowledge on BSE than Ethiopians.…”

“…The difference could be credited to the fact that nursing and health science students also nurses of primary hospitals did not receive yet in-depth breast cancer course like experienced nurses of specialized hospital. But the findings were higher among health professionals in Sao Polo Brazil (90.3%) ( [27], nurses of Poland (56.7%) [28] and Nurses of United Arab Emirates (61.5%) [22]. This could be due to the difference of educational level among the study participants and setting of the study area.…”