ISSN 2756-3332
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 7 (8), pp. 001-012, August, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Awareness of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in selected health centres, Benin City, Edo State
*Ehwarieme T.A1, Amiegheme F.E2, Unigwe J.K3 and Ugwueze J.O4
1Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
2Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
3Continue Education and research Unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Utuku-Ozala, Enugu, Enugu State.
4Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
Accepted 18 July, 2019
Abstract
Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the fifth cause of cancer-related mortality. This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in some selected health centres in Benin City, Edo state. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted. Pregnant women were recruited using convenient sampling technique. The research instrument used was questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Result shows that 133 (61.3%) had good awareness and 84 (38.7%) had poor awareness of breast cancer. 101 (46.5%) exhibited poor awareness of breast self-examination, while only 56 (25.8%) had good awareness of breast self-examination. 183 (84.3%) exhibited poor practice of breast self-examination. Perceived hindrance to practice of breast self-examination were lack of time (3.20±1.115), Negligence (3.12±1.025), lack of breast cancer symptom (3.28±0.966) and fear of the unknown (3.22±0.956). A statistically significant relationship (p<0.001) between awareness of breast cancer and awareness of breast self-examination was found. Marital status of the respondents showed a statistically significant relationship (p<0.000, OR = -0.230, CI 95% = -0.343 – -0.117) and education of the respondents showed a statistically significant association (p<0.000, OR = 0.135, CI 95% = 0.064 – 0.205). Regular health education for pregnant women especially during their antennal clinic should be intensified to increase the practice of breast self examination.
Key words: Breast cancer, awareness, practice, self examination, hindrance.
Full Length Research Paper
Awareness of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in selected health centres, Benin City, Edo State
*Ehwarieme T.A1, Amiegheme F.E2, Unigwe J.K3 and Ugwueze J.O4
1Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
2Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
3Continue Education and research Unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Utuku-Ozala, Enugu, Enugu State.
4Department of Nursing Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer and the fifth cause of cancer-related mortality. This study was conducted to assess the level of awareness of breast cancer and practice of breast self examination among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in some selected health centres in Benin City, Edo state. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted. Pregnant women were recruited using convenient sampling technique. The research instrument used was questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Result shows that 133 (61.3%) had good awareness and 84 (38.7%) had poor awareness of breast cancer. 101 (46.5%) exhibited poor awareness of breast self-examination, while only 56 (25.8%) had good awareness of breast self-examination. 183 (84.3%) exhibited poor practice of breast self-examination. Perceived hindrance to practice of breast self-examination were lack of time (3.20±1.115), Negligence (3.12±1.025), lack of breast cancer symptom (3.28±0.966) and fear of the unknown (3.22±0.956). A statistically significant relationship (p<0.001) between awareness of breast cancer and awareness of breast self-examination was found. Marital status of the respondents showed a statistically significant relationship (p<0.000, OR = -0.230, CI 95% = -0.343 – -0.117) and education of the respondents showed a statistically significant association (p<0.000, OR = 0.135, CI 95% = 0.064 – 0.205). Regular health education for pregnant women especially during their antennal clinic should be intensified to increase the practice of breast self examination.
Key words: Breast cancer, awareness, practice, self examination, hindrance.