ASSESMENT OF BREAST SELF EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT UZIMA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer. According to WHO road map, on breast cancer, diagnosing breast cancer within 60 days of initial presentation can improve breast cancer outcomes. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the non-invasive methods of screening. This research aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among female undergraduate students at Uzima University. Study objectives: To establish the knowledge on breast self-examination among female undergraduate students at Uzima University, to explore attitude towards breast self-examination among female undergraduate students at Uzima University and to determine the practice of breast self-examination among female undergraduate students at Uzima University. Study population: Female undergraduate students in Uzima are approximately 500. My sample size is 218. Study area: the study will be conducted at Uzima University. Study methodology: The study will utilize a mixed study approach involving a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data collection: The data collection instrument to be used in this study will be self-administered questionnaire that will be both internet based and face-to-face, also focused group discussion will be incorporated. Data management: The data is to be transcribed with the responses from the completed questionnaires converted into a digital format for analysis. Qualitative data will be categorized into themes. Data presentation: To summarize the analysis findings in a clear and concise manner, I will organize results in tables, figures, or charts to effectively communicate the main findings. The qualitative data will be presented through thematic analysis Benefits of the study: My study may be useful in providing baseline data on the practice of breast self-examination and related knowledge and attitudes among female undergraduate students in Uzima University thus early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Study limitations: Descriptive studies do not offer an explanation for findings.