Abstract:

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in many underdeveloped nations and constituted a major public health burden. Despite this, most breast cancer patients in many underdeveloped nations present with late diseases when few options of treatment are available. Early detection through screening remains the main means of improving breast cancer outcomes. Nurses are a group of healthcare professionals and are thus expected to advocate for breast cancer screening programs. This study was conducted to determine the extent of utilisation and predictors of the practice of breast self-examination among nurses in a tertiary health care centre. The study prospectively surveyed 189 nurses on knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained through a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 41.44 (±5.66) years. Sixty-seven (35.4%) of the respondents practiced BSE of which only 31.3% practiced it monthly as recommended. Family history of breast cancer (p<0.001), age greater than 50 (p<0.001), post-menopausal women (p<0.001), and posting in surgical-related wards (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the practice of BSE. The practice of BSE among the respondents was poor and the few who practiced it lacked the correct technique. The teaching of BSE should be encouraged at nursing schools with an emphasis on practice and techniques. We also suggest a need for continued nursing education.

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