Likelihood of Breast Screening Uptake among Reproductive-aged Women in Ethiopia: A Baseline Survey for Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most devastating public health problem affecting women in developed and developing world. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the likelihood of taking breast self-examination as a breast screening behavior among reproductive age women. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 810 reproductive-age women. Intervieweradministered questionnaires were used to collect data. Study participants were selected using systematic sampling method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. RESULTS: The likelihood of performing breast self-examination was 54.3%. However, the comprehensive knowledge of the participants was 11.5%. As independent predictors, perceived severity of breast cancer [AOR (95%CI) = 2.05 (1.03 to 1.07)] and self-efficacy [AOR (95%CI) = 2.97(0.36–0.99)] were positively associated with the likelihood of performing breast self-examination whereas districts [AOR (95%CI) = 0.58 (0.37 to 0.91)] and place of residence [AOR (95%CI) = 0.69 (0.51 to 0.93)] were negatively associated with the likelihood of performing breast selfexamination. The HBM Model explained 64.2% of the variance in this study. CONCLUSION: Although the likelihood of performing breast selfexamination was relatively good, the comprehensive knowledge of the women was very low. Therefore, breast cancer screening education must address knowledge and socio-cultural factors that influence breast screening through awareness creation using appropriate behavioral change communication strategies.