Awareness of breast self-examination among females in selected secondary schools in Ibadan north local government area, Oyo state, Nigeria

Breast cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) crucial for improved prognosis. This study assessed the awareness of breast self-examination among female students in selected secondary schools within Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used to evaluate the level of awareness of BSE among 308 female students aged 12-20. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents on socio-demographics, awareness, knowledge, attitude, perception and practice of BSE. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents while data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
The findings of this study suggest that, on average, the respondents have a moderate level of knowledge about Breast Self-Examination (BSE), with a mean knowledge score of 2.86 out of a possible 5 (±1.14) and only around 28.9% of respondents reported practicing BSE, while similar percentages expressed confidence in performing BSE and doing it regularly on a monthly basis. The findings of this study show that there is a gap between knowledge and practice, despite the fact that some of the respondents have some level of awareness and understanding about BSE, the actual practice among respondents is low.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended that comprehensive health education programs be integrated into school curriculum to raise awareness and enhance the practice of BSE among female students. Additionally, community-based awareness campaigns and partnerships with healthcare providers can further reinforce the importance of regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.