Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Breast Self-examination among Young Females – A Cross-Sectional Study from Central Karnataka, India

Background: Cancer breast is one of the most common cancers affecting women in both developed and developing countries. Inappropriate knowledge, attitude, and/or practice of breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the reasons for cancer breast-related high morbidity and mortality. With this background a cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls in age group of 16–18 years to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward BSE. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students in the age group of 16–18 years. Study was conducted for a period of 3 months from August to October 2018. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice among girls toward BSE. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 and were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: A total 180 adolescent girls responded to the study with mean age of 19.41 ± 0.32 years. Majority (68%) had heard of BSE but knowledge, attitude, and practices of BSE was poor. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of BSE among adolescent girls Key words: Knowledge, attitude, practices, breast self-examination