Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Breast Self-Examination among Female Soldiers at the 37 Military Hospital.

Abstract

Early screening for detection and diagnosis of diseases and health conditions is an important public health principle. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of such screening strategies where a woman examines her breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swelling or lumps in order to seek medical care. This study therefore explored the knowledge, perceptions and the practice of Breast Self-Examination among female soldiers at the 37 Military Hospital. This study combined both quantitative and qualitative methods to attain results. Questionnaires were administered to 210 female soldiers selected using a stratified sampling across 15 departments. Five (5) focus group discussions consisting of 6-8 participants were also conducted for departments directly involved in breast cancer care and ten (10) heads from these departments were interviewed on the attitudes and practices of breast self-examination by female soldiers at the hospital. Findings revealed that education levels impacted on the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination; the higher the education levels, the higher the tendency to breast self-examine. Focus group discussions revealed that it wasn’t a lack of knowledge affecting the practice of breast self-examination, however the fear of discovering a cancerous lump. Interviews with department heads confirmed findings from the questionnaires that female soldiers had knowledge on breast self-examination and seemed to have a positive attitude towards it however, there was no certainty as to whether or not they breast self-examined.