Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, more than 2.3 million women of reproductive age were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 alone. Breast cancer can be detected early through breast self-examination (BSE) practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women should start Breast Self-Examination (BSE) from the age of 20 years to detect breast cancer early. Early detection of the disease in the preclinical stage when the disease is localized and asymptomatic has greater chances of cure and survival. The objective of this study was to determine level of knowledge on breast self-examination among women aged above 20 years attending the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH). Meru County has recorded an upsurge of breast cancer in the last five years. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional study design. A sample of 423 respondents selected by systematic random sampling was interviewed using a researcher administered questionnaire, and an observation checklist. Data collection tools were pretested and validated at Githongo Sub-County hospital. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis, using the Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software Version 26. Results: The results showed that majority (57%) of the respondents had poor BSE knowledge (mean score 46.14±9.7SD). The majority (70%) had poor BSE practice with a mean score breast self-examination practice at 44.4±30SD. Conclusions: The study concluded that both the level of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination were poor. Recommendations: The study recommends that health care providers offer regular health education, and demonstrations on BSE procedure, using appropriate teaching aids. Key words: Cancer, Knowledge, Breast Self-Examination