Awareness and Practice of Breast Self Examination for Early Detection of Breast Cancer among Female Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study evaluated the level of awareness and practice of BSE among senior secondary school girls in Ado-Ekiti. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design with 240 female adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti was adopted. Data was obtained by the administration of structured questionnaires. SPSS was utilized for the analysis of data while descriptive statistics and Chi Square were used to present data at α0.05 level of significance. Results: Respondents mean age was 15.6 +1.17 while about 43% of respondents had moderate level of awareness of BSE. Conclusion: The level of awareness was significantly associated with practice of BSE as both level of awareness and practice were low as calculated value of 10.0 is greater than the tabulated value 3.84. The study revealed poor awareness of breast cancer and poor practice of BSE. There is a need for sensitization on BSE among adolescents through.