Knowledge And Practice Of Breast Self-Examination Among Students In A Private Higher Learning Institution In Malaysia
- Author:
Amal R. Nimir
;
Sami A. R. Al-Dubai
;
Mustafa A. Alshagga
;
Ahmed M. Saliem
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
breast cancer;
knowledge;
students;
higher learning institution;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine
2014;14(3):47-53
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Breast cancer is one of the most frequently encountered malignancies among young females in Malaysia, which accounts for 30.4% of newly diagnosed cancers. All women at or above the age of 20 are considered at risk of developing breast cancer. This is a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a private medical university in Malaysia during year 2012. Two hundred students were recruited in this study using universal sampling. Data collection was done using a self-administration questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between the practice of breast self-examination and socio-demographic variables. Only 19.5% of the study sample has sufficient knowledge about BSE which is acquired mostly from local media. Having a family history of malignancy other than breast cancer seems to be the only significant variable associated with knowledge about BSE (P=0.002). Other variables such as demographic data, menstrual history and social history were also tested, but found to be not significant. Frequent community-based awareness programs are needed so that all women can know and practice BSE, which in turn helps to alert the women to any abnormal changes in the breasts so that they will be able to seek medical advice immediately.
