Awareness, Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women in Majengo Health Center, Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Ridhiwani H Manyuti, and Adinan Juma

Background: Currently, Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women. Despite being second and first leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally and in Tanzania respectively, breast cancer is detected by using potentially recommended breast self- examination (BSE) as cornerstone of breast cancer early detection method.

Objective: To determine awareness, knowledge, practice and barriers of BSE among women attending clinics at Majengo Health center in Moshi municipality, Kilimanjaro region.

Methodology: Hospital based Cross-sectional descriptive study was used. Systemic randomly sampling technique was used to select participants. Respondents interviewed by using semi- structured questionnaire. Data processed and analyzed by using SPSS Version 20.

Results: A total 300 urban women from Majengo health center were studied. Their age ranged from 20-56 with mean age of 28.82 years (SD+6.628). Majority 142(47.3%) have primary level of education and about 197(65.7%) were Self – employed. 95% of women heard about BSE, among them only 26(27%) had adequate awareness in which Mass media like Radio (36%) and Television (25%) were main source of information. 94% knew performing BSE and among them, only 31(33%) had adequate knowledge on performing Breast Self-Examination (BSE). 31% respondents practiced BSE and among them, only 25(26.6%) had regular practice. Lack of knowledge on performing BSE 179(59.7%) was the major Barrier in practicing BSE among respondents.

Conclusion: This work reveals low level and incomplete awareness, knowledge and practice of BSE among women in Moshi municipality.

Recommendation: Effective improvement of health Education covering knowledge and practice of Breast Self- Examination (BSE).

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