Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 655

Full Length Research Paper

Breast self examination among secondary school teachers in South-South, Nigeria: A survey of perception and practice

Tobin Ekaete Alice*
  • Tobin Ekaete Alice*
  • Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua Edo state, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar
Okeowo Philomena O
  • Okeowo Philomena O
  • Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 02 March 2014
  •  Accepted: 05 May 2014
  •  Published: 19 May 2014

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to claim the lives of hundreds of women all over the world inspite of the existence of simple to perform procedures that could ensure the early detection of breast changes. The study aimed to assess the practice and perceptions towards breast self examination (BSE) among secondary school teachers in Benin City. A cross-sectional study was conducted in July, 2010 among 300 female secondary school teachers in a selected local government area in Benin. An interviewer administered structured English language questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) with level of significance set as p < 0.05. All (100.0%) had heard of BSE, 79.3% had ever practised (BSE), of which19% performed BSE monthly and 6% knew all steps in the procedure of BSE. Main source of information was the broadcast media. Ignorance of the usefulness of BSE was the most common reason given for not doing BSE. Nonetheless, attitude towards BSE was good for 80% of respondents. There is need for aggressive awareness campaigns among secondary school teachers that will focus on filling knowledge gaps and providing opportunities for guided practice.

Key words: Breast cancer, breast self- examination, practice, screening, teachers.