Knowledge, practice and associated factors of breast self-examination among female university students of Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of death worldwide. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a cost-effective tool for self-assessment and for potential early detection of breast cancer in low-resource settings. This study aimed to explore knowledge, practice and associated factors of BSE among female university students of Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 conveniently selected female students aged ≥18 years from four universities. A pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression and simple and multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess determinants of knowledge and practice regarding BSE. RESULTS: A total of 400 students participated from two private and two public universities (100 from each university). The average age of the participants was 20.89 ± 1.72 years (±SD). Of all, 60.5% had presence of knowledge (i.e., heard) about BSE. The average knowledge score was 7.41 ± 3.27 (in a scale of 0–15). Among those who had knowledge about BSE only 10.7% participants practiced it monthly. Being in public university (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.42, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.73–6.74) and years of education (aOR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02–1.97) were significant determinant of presence of knowledge regarding BSE. Moreover, studying in public university (β: 0.99, 95%CI 0.16–1.82) and education years passed (β: 0.51; 95%CI: 0.18–0.85) were associated with a higher knowledge score. Practice of BSE was negatively associated with students’ rural living prior to admission (aOR: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.08–0.79), and positively associated with level of knowledge regarding BSE (aOR: 1.48; 95%CI 0.08–0.79). CONCLUSION: This study revealed a general lack of knowledge and practice regarding BSE among female university students. As knowledge and practice of BSE would increase breast cancer awareness and screening acceptance, authorities should address the issue with properly planned strategies.