Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self- examination among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Malaysia

Raja Gopal, Raja Lexshimi and Md Isa, Zaleha and Daud, Wahida and Mohd Said, Nurumal and Syed Zakaria, Syed Zulkifli (2014) Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self- examination among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 14 (3). pp. 54-62. ISSN 1675–0306

	PDF (Article) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (222kB) | Request a copy
	PDF (SCOPUS) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (63kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended globally as one of the methods in early detection of breast cancer. Little is known about nurses screening behavior related to BSE. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of Breast Self Examination (BSE) among nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to a total of 114 nurses working in Obstetrics & Gynaecology wards and clinics of two tertiary hospitals. Among the 114 participants, 111(97.4%) practiced BSE. The mean age of the participants was 34.97(±9.104) years. The mean score of knowledge was 11.07(±1.020) and 81.1% had high knowledge of BSE. Majority (98.2%) of respondents showed good attitude towards BSE. Barriers was found to be a significant predictor and self confidence proved to be an influencing factor on BSE performance. Despite practicing BSE, the number of nurses that examined their breast monthly was only 35.1%. Age, working experience and marital status showed no significant relationship with knowledge and practice of BSE. However, BSE taught during their undergraduate programme was found to have a significant relationship with practice of BSE. Majority of nurses in this study were not complying with MOH recommendation for BSE in terms of frequency. Thus, intervention strategies should focus on educating nurses on performing BSE monthly, in accordance with the Ministry of Health guidelines. This is important as nurses play a primary role in promoting health behaviors in BSE practice and breast cancer awareness among women in this country.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5170/41482
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Breast self examination
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	dr mohd said nurumal
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2015 15:44
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2017 12:22
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/41482

Actions (login required)

View Item