Knowledge and Attitudes of Female Nursing Students regarding Breast Self-examination and Mammography

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among ages 15-54, according to the National Cancer Institute. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward breast cancer have been shown to influence breast cancer screening. The study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes of female nursing students regarding breast self-examination and mammography. Design: A descriptive study design was used for this study. Setting: The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing-Benha University. Sample: Simple random included (220) female nursing students. Tools of data collection: Three main tools were used, Tool I: A structured self-administered questionnaire which included 2 parts (1) general characteristics of female nursing students, (2) barriers of female nursing students towards performing breast self-examination, Tool II: Female Nursing Students' Knowledge Assessment Sheet and Tool III: Female Nursing Students' Attitudes Assessment Sheet. Results: More than two thirds of the female nursing students had poor total knowledge scores regarding breast cancer, breast self-examination and mammography. About two thirds of female nursing students had total negative attitudes scores regarding breast cancer, breast self-examination and mammography. Additionally, there was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between total knowledge and total attitudes scores among studied female nursing students regarding breast self-examination and mammography (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: About two thirds of female nursing students had poor knowledge and negative attitudes regarding breast cancer, breast self-examination and mammography. Recommendations: Conducting health education programs, seminars, and counseling regarding breast self-examination, mammography, breast cancer prevention issues for female students in secondary schools and universities.