Awareness, attitude, and practice regarding breast self-examination among female employees working at Islamic Azad University, Zanjan branch in ۲۰۲۳

Background: Breast cancer is a significant and serious female health concern. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the preventive and early detection measures for this disease. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the level of awareness, attitude, and practice regarding BSE among women. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on ۱۲۸ female employees working at Islamic Azad University, Zanjan Branch, Zanjan, Iran, in ۲۰۲۳. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. A researcher-made four-part questionnaire, including demographic information and the assessment of awareness, attitude, and practice regarding BSE was employed to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version ۲۵. Results: Most of the women participating in the study were married (۸۴.۴%) and held a bachelor’s degree (۵۰%). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) scores for awareness, attitude, and practice regarding BSE among the female participants were ۲.۹۵ (۱.۲۳), ۲.۷۳ (۱.۲۸), and ۲.۵ (۰.۹۲), respectively. Findings revealed that awareness and attitude had a statistically significant and direct correlation with practice regarding BSE among the participants (p<۰.۰۵). There was no statistically significant difference in awareness and practice regarding BSE among women based on their education level (p>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: With increased awareness and a positive attitude toward BSE, women’s practice in this regard improves. BSE is a cost-effective and non-invasive method, culminating in early detection and better control of breast cancer. Thus, it is recommended that educational packages be designed to enhance women’s awareness, attitude, and practice regarding BSE.

کلیدواژه ها:

Awareness ، Attitude ، Practice ، Breast Self-examination