Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Family Planning Service in Modjo Public Health Facilities Southwest Ethiopia

Meron Urga Workineh,1 Eyasu Alem Lake,2 Getachew Asmare Adella3 1Department of Public Health, Adama Hospital Medical College of Health Science and Medicine, Adama, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 3Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Getachew Asmare Adella Email gasmare35@gmail.comPurpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second common cancer overall. Breast self-examination is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. However, the practice of breast self-examination remains low in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women attending family planning services in Modjo public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia.Patient and Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Modjo public health facilities from October 01, 2020, to October 30, 2020. Data were collected from 420 women by using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Variables with a P-value ≤ 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results of regression analysis were shown as odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI).Results: Overall 86 (20.5%) of the participants had ever performed breast self-examination. The odds of breast self-examination practice among women with tertiary level of education were 2.14 [AOR: 2.14; 95% CI: (1.45, 6.74)] times higher compared to those with secondary education. Women who knew breast self-examination were 4.32 [AOR: 4.32; 95% CI: (1.81, 10.81)] times higher odds of breast self-examination practice compared to their counterparts. The odds of breast self-examination practice among women who had a positive attitude were 2.7 [AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: (1.03, 6.91)] times higher compared to women with a negative attitude towards breast self-examination.Conclusion: Breast self-examination practice was low within the study area. Tertiary level of education, having Knowledge on breast self-examination and a positive attitude towards breast self-examination were found to have a significant association with breast self-examination practice. Breast self-examination should be promoted by improving awareness and providing special health education for women that had low educational level.Keywords: breast cancer, breast self-examination, practice, associated factor