Knowledge, attitude and practices towards breast cancer and its prevention among females in some selected Senior High Schools within the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
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Date
September, 2019
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Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women throughout the world and also a
public health concern. However, comparing with Western women, it presents rather early in
women of Asian ethnicity. Family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation, age, late
menopause Early menarche, are well-known risk factors for the development of breast cancer
in women. Detecting the disease early through preventive methods such as breast selfexamination (BSE) and breast cancer screening programs can lead to a reduction in the
mortality rates due to breast cancer. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and
practices towards breast cancer and early detection measures among female students in some
selected senior high schools within the Kumasi Metropolis. Materials and Methods: A
descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female senior high school students
within the Kumasi Metropolis. The tool used for data collection was a structured selfadministered questionnaire and data was analyzed using STATA v 14 using a selfadministered questionnaire. The study was conducted from May 2019 to August 2019.
Results: A total of three hundred and five students participated in the study with the age
range from 16-21years (mean age =16.9). A greater percentage of the respondents 302
(99.0%) had general knowledge about breast cancer. The majority of the students 71.8% and
79.5% knew about clinical Examination and Breast self-examination but only 38.7% ever
practiced any of the early detection methods. Family history and knowing one can be
screened for breast cancer were significantly associated (p-value=0.33 and 0.13) with the
practice of the early detection methods according to the regression and bivariate results.
Respondents also had a positive attitude towards breast cancer and early detection methods.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is an inadequate practice of the early detection methods
among the respondents even though, most of them knew about breast cancer early detection
methods. The results recommend the need of providing continuing education programs to
upsurge the knowledge level on breast cancer and its early detection methods which in turn
will have a positive effect on students to practice and motivate them to engage in costeffective early detection methods.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Health Promotion, Education and Disability Studies, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Degree of Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education.
Keywords
Breast Cancer, Females, Senior High Schools, Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana