Self-Efficacy of Breast Self-Examination among Female Adolescents.
Publication Date: 04/12/2024
Author(s): Abaribe Chidinma Emeka, Okafor Ngozi Anthonia, Opatunji Florence Omowunmi, Maitanmi Julius O., Leslie Tabitha A., Asonye Christian C., Eze-Adiele Chihurumnanya U..
Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 2 (2024)
Abstract:
Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s ability to perform a task confidently and successfully. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination is key to early detection of any abnormality that could lead to breast cancer. Evidence has shown a correlation between self-efficacy of breast self-examination and performance of breast self-examination. Self-efficacy of breast self-examination could be determined by performance accomplishments, vicarious experience (learning from people or observing breast self-examination being done), verbal persuasion (encouragement received from someone to perform breast self-examination), and physiological/emotional states (emotional reactions to performing breast self-examination). Female adolescents should be educated to acquire self-efficacy to perform breast self-examination since adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong habits, attitudes, forming health-related lifestyles, and behaviours for the future. Breast self-examination performed monthly at the right time using the right techniques will aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Consistent breast self-examinations are the best protection in detecting early breast cancers.
Keywords:
Breast self-examination, Female adolescents, Performance accomplishment, Physiological/emotional state, Verbal persuasion, Vicarious experience.