Knowledge towards breast cancer, and breast self-examination practices and its barriers among university female students in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the best approach towards its control that may result in alleviating related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about breast cancer and both practices and perceived barriers to breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 400 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. Participants were sampled from female dormitories at the university from January to April 2020. Proportionate stratified random sampling was conducted to calculate the study sample from each dormitory. A pre-tested, semi-structured self-reported questionnaire was employed to collect data from participants during the survey periods. The questionnaire consists of demographic variables, items about knowledge about breast cancer, breast self-examination practices and its barriers. We applied descriptive and inferential statistics, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Participants aged between 18-26 years and comprised university students of 1st year (20%), 2nd year (24%), 3rd year (22%), 4th year (21%) and Masters (14.%). 18% of them had reported positive family history (mother, aunt, sister/cousin, grandmother) of breast cancer. The overall mean score of total knowledge items was 15 (SD = 3) out of 43, with an overall correct rate of 34%. The mean score of total knowledge items was significantly higher (p<0.001) among Masters students and students with family members who have breast cancer. Only one in five students (21%) ever practiced breast self-examination. The mean score of practice towards breast self-examination was significantly higher (p<0.001) among participants who reported having family member of breast cancer. It is noted that the total knowledge score about breast cancer and practice towards breast self-examination are significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.54; p<0.001). About 33% participants had reported that lack of knowledge as the main barrier to practicing breast self-examination followed by I do not have the symptoms (22%), and shyness/ uncomfortable feelings (17%). The study revealed low levels of knowledge about breast cancer and low breast self-examination practices. This implies the need of promotion and implementation of educational interventions programs that are social and culturally appropriate and suitable for specific age groups.

Women's Perception Regarding the Ministry of Health Initiatives Plan for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

“…These findings agree with (Sarker et al, 2021), in their study about Knowledge towards breast cancer, and breast self-examination practices and its barriers among university female students in Bangladesh, who mentioned that significant positive correlation between total correct knowledge regarding breast cancer and total positive attitude regarding initiatives for early detection of breast cancer.…”

Impact of Web-Based Educational Intervention on Preventive Behaviors of Breast Cancer among Damanhour University Female Students

“…It was found that the age of the studied students ranged from 20 up to 23 years old with a mean (23±1.2 years) among intervention group and (22±1.3 years) among control group. Out of all respondents recruited in this study, more than three quarters of them were single, more than half of them had Body Mass Index (BMI) values within normal range; this goes in line with the study conducted in Bangladesh by Sarker et al, (2022) (21) to evaluate how an educational intervention program affected young female university students' knowledge of breast cancer and their use of BSE.…”

Breast Cancer Awareness Survey

“…Next, we asked about breast self-examination to participants.77.6% participants know about breast self-examination In addition, in contrast to our findings, an Egyptian study of female university students found that 74.2 percent knew about BSE and 52.1 percent knew about mammograms. [7] while in our study only 66.4% knows about mammography. Early detection of breast cancer is facilitated by breast cancer awareness and regular practise of BSE, which improves the chances of survival and better health results.…”