Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination (BSE) among female health workers of selected hospitals of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka

Background: The prevalence of breast cancer in Indian women is around 20% of all cancers. Health care professionals can play an significant part in teaching women. Early detection and screening is important to identify the preventive diseases. Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of Breast Self Examination (BSE) among female health workers. Method: This cross sectional survey was conducted among 210 health care workers from 2 different hospitals Karnataka state, India. Self administered questionnaire was used to obtain information such as demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Breast Self Examination Statistical Analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistics was used by using SPSS 16 version. Result: Around 127 (60.47%) of participants had an average knowledge about Breast Self Examination. Utmost 193 (91.90%) have a favorable attitude towards Breast Self Examination. Majority of 68.09% (143 out of 210) have performed Breast Self Examination. Though knowledge regarding Breast Self Examination was average, only 143 (68.09%) of them practiced BSE. Conclusion: There is need to continue education programs and training sessions frequently to sensitize more people towards practicing BSE. Health care workers need to emphasize on practicing BSE more to generate awareness & periodic screening.