Breast self-examination and associated factors among women in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The early detection of breast cancer plays an important role in decreasing morbidity and mortality of breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one screening method used for the early detection of breast cancer. BSE involves the woman looking at and feeling each breast for possible lumps, distortions, or swellings. BSE is a simple exercise that can potentially save women’s lives, but BSE receives relatively little attention and no study has yet addressed BSE at the community level. Here we assessed BSE and associated factors among women aged 20–65 years in Wolaita Sodo city, Ethiopia. METHODS: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study. Systematic random sampling was used to select 626 women aged 20–65 years old. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Data were recorded using EpiData version 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for cleaning and statistical analysis. Bivariable analysis was performed, and variables with a p-value < 0.25 were used in multiple logistic regression analysis. Multiple logistic regression was employed, and variables with p-values < 0.05 were considered statically significant. RESULTS: A total of 629 women aged between 20 and 65 years were included in the study. Over half (60.9%) of participants were aged between 20 and 29 years, and 8.2% were < 50 years old. Women who mentioned BSE as a method for the early detection of breast problems were 6.36-times (95% CI: 3.72, 10.71) more likely to perform BSE than those who reported that they did not know of any method. Those who had breast fed for 13–24 months were 2.43 times (95% CI: 1.28, 4.59) more likely to examine their breasts than those who breast fed for different durations or used other methods. Employed study participants were 3.13-times (95% CI: 1.14, 8.58) more likely to practice BSE than those who were not employed. Likewise, students were 3.73-times (95% CI: 1.19, 11.73) more likely to perform BSE. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, women’s practice of BSE was relatively low. Knowledge of BSE, breastfeeding up to 24 months, being employed, and being a student were factors affecting performing BSE. Educating girls and increasing awareness, including through electronic media, are important to encourage BSE and improve breast cancer outcomes.