Abstract:
Background: Breast self-examination is one of the methods used for the early detection of breast
cancer. In resource-scarce countries like Ethiopia, Breast self-examination is used for early
detection of breast cancer to prevent related morbidity and mortalities. The BSE technique
involves palpation of the breasts for lumps with the tips or pads of the fingers. This could be
performed while the woman sits, stands, or lies .
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess knowledge and practice of Breast Self Examination and Associated Factors among Reproductive age women in Ambo Town, West
Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 405
reproductive age women in selected Kebeles of Ambo Town from August 20 to September 20,
2023 simple randam sampling. Data were collected using pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and
percentages, which were utilized in the presented tables, figures, and text. The bi-variable binary
logistic regression analysis was done to identify variables to be candidates using p-values of <
0.25. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors where AOR
with 95% CI, and a p-value < 0.05 was declared as significantly associated with the knowledge
and practice of study participants on breast self-examination.
Results: In this study, an estimated 32.7% (95%CI: 28%-37.5%) and 21.9% (95% CI: 17.9%-
26.4%) of study participants had good knowledge and practice toward breast self-examination,
respectively. Education (AOR= 3.21, 95% CI: 1.58, 6.53) and occopation (AOR= 2.92, 95% CI:
1.49, 5.75) showed significant associations with knowledge. Age within the 15-35 category
(AOR= 2.15, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.79) and good knowledge (AOR= 2.56, 95% CI: 1.56, 4.21) were
significantly associated with the practice of BSE at a significance level of 0.05.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of this study have shown low levels of
knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among women in Ambo town. The study also
identifies that education and occopation were significantly associated with knowledge, whereas
age and good knowledge were significantly associated with the practice of breast self examination (BSE). It is important to create awareness and educate women about the
significance of breast self-examination as a preventive measure for breast cancer.
