Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Breast Self-Examination Among Unmarried Religious Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Globally, breast cancer is one of the main causes of death for women, and increasing survival rates requires early identification. A straightforward and reasonably priced method for identifying early abnormalities is breast self-examination (BSE), particularly in places with poor access to healthcare. However, research indicates that BSE is poorly understood and frequently misunderstood, especially among some populations, such as religious women who are single.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, awareness, and misconceptions about BSE in this specific population, identifying key areas of weakness that could be addressed through educational interventions.

 Methodology: To assess unmarried religious women's knowledge of breast cancer warning symptoms, suggested frequency, and BSE procedures, a meticulously designed descriptive statistical survey form was disseminated through online. Results: Only 39.46% of respondents understood BSE, according to the data, with 33.3% knowing the right frequency and 53.5% not knowing. Misconceptions were common; 32.78% of respondents had general misconceptions regarding appropriate procedures, and 40.8% thought BSE only involved eye inspection. Only 36.4% of participants identified important techniques, such as executing BSE while lying down (57.7%) and utilizing circular motions (74.6%), indicating a lack of practical expertise. Nonetheless, 83.84% were aware of the warning indications of breast cancer, which include changes in breast size or skin condition and nipple discharge. The different elements of BSE awareness did not significantly correlate, according to chi-square analysis. Conclusion: According to the study findings, there are still significant gaps in the understanding and application of appropriate BSE techniques, even though awareness of breast cancer warning indicators is praiseworthy. To dispel these myths and increase the effectiveness of BSE as a preventative strategy, which will eventually improve women's health, targeted educational initiatives are required.