Breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background : Breast cancer is the most prevalent cause of cancer deaths among women especially in developing countries. It is a disease with a poor prognosis unless detected early. Breast self-examination may play a significant role in the prevention of breast cancer among women especially in low and middle-income countries. Objective : This study aims to evaluate breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in southeast Ethiopia. Methods : A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 836 women of reproductive age. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative part of the study and supplemented by focus group discussions. A database was created using Epi-info version 3.5.3, and analysed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to examine the effect of explanatory variables to the outcome variable. Variables with P value <0.05 during multivariable logistic regressions were considered as significantly associated with the dependent variable. Result : Out of eight hundred thirty-six total participants, only 20.7% had ever heard about breast self-examination practice. Also only 13.2% of the mothers had practiced breast self-examinations. Maternal age, mothers’ level of education, and previous history of breast examination by health professionals were significant factors for breast self-examination practices. Conclusion : This study reported a low prevalence of breast self-examination practice. Therefore, enhancing women’s education and encouraging breast examination by health professionals are essential to increase the proportion of women performing breast self-examination.