scholarly journals Knowledge of breast self-examination in women in Sierra Leone

Curationis ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H.E.E. Shepherd ◽  
P.A. Mclnerney
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
One Year ◽  
Self Examination

This research is a follow up of a Breast Week which was organized in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The specific objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the knowledge and teachings given to the women who participated in this project. A quantitative approach with an exploratory descriptive design was adopted and an observational checklist guided the data collection process. A sample size of 120 women (10%) who participated in the Breast Week was obtained through systematic sampling. During the Breast Week women were taught how to examine their breasts using breast self-examination (BSE) to detect abnormalities of the breasts. This study was undertaken one year later by the researcher to ascertain whether the information on breast self-examination provided during the Breast Week was being utilised and whether what was taught was being put into use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. Reliability and validity were ensured through the use of a structured observational checklist and a pilot study was undertaken. The observations were all observed and recorded by the same researcher. The majority of the 120 women (91.7%) stated that they had never practiced BSE before the Breast Week. After receiving health education on BSE, 95% were able to demonstrate an effective method of undertaking BSE. It is thus recommended that every opportunity should be utilized in health care settings to teach BSE and to reinforce the practice, especially in poverty stricken countries where other forms of screening methods are unavailable.

scholarly journals Knowledge of breast cancer in women in Sierra Leone

Curationis ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
JHEE Shepherd ◽  
PA Mclnerney
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Specific Objective ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Breast Lumps

Breast cancer has been described as one of the life-threatening diseases affecting women and is a major problem in women’s health issues. The unrecorded number of cases of breast lumps and breast cancer observed in women in Sierra Leone prompted the researcher to organize a “Breast Week” during which 1 200 women were educated on breast cancer and the importance of breast health. This research is a follow up of the “Breast Week” which was organized in Freetown, Sierra Leone The specific objective of this study was to assess whether the knowledge and teachings given to the women who participated in this project was fully understood. A sample size of 120 women (10%) who participated in the “Breast Week” was obtained through systematic sampling. A quantitative approach was adopted and a structured interview schedule guided the data collection process. The data were processed through use of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Texts from open ended questions were categorized and frequency counts were applied to the data. It was found that the majority (96.6%) of the women had some knowledge of breast cancer. They linked breast cancer to the signs and symptoms associated with it and were able to describe the disease as one that kills women if not promptly detected and/or treated appropriately. Findings indicate that the majority of the women are aware of the dangers of the disease and had knowledge of someone who had died of breast cancer (59.2%). An assessment of the effectiveness of knowledge on breast cancer showed that these women could identify breast cancer as a disease that affects women and may cause death if not detected on time.

scholarly journals Palpreast—A New Wearable Device for Breast Self-Examination

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Arcarisi ◽  
Licia Di Pietro ◽  
Nicola Carbonaro ◽  
Alessandro Tognetti ◽  
Arti Ahluwalia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Wearable Device ◽  
Human Hand ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Self Examination

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Although targeted screening programs using mammography have facilitated earlier detection and improved treatment has resulted in a significant reduction in mortality, some negative aspects related to cost, the availability of trained staff, the duration of the procedure, and its non-generalizability to all women must be taken into consideration. Breast palpation is a simple non-invasive procedure that can be performed by lay individuals for detecting possible malignant nodules in the breast. It is a simple test, based on the haptic perception of different stiffness between healthy and abnormal tissues. According to a survey we carried out, despite being safe and simple, breast self-examination is not carried by women because they are not confident of their ability to detect a lump. In this study, a non-invasive wearable device designed to mimic the process of breast self-examination using pressure sensing textiles and thus increase the confidence and self-awareness of women is proposed. Combined with other screening methods, the device can increase the odds of early detection for better prognosis. Here, we present the physical implementation of the device and a finite element analysis of the mechanics underlying its working principle. Characterization of the device using models of large and medium breast phantoms with rigid inclusions demonstrates that it can detect nodules in much the same way as does the human hand during breast self-examination.

Older Women and the Practice of Breast Self-Examination

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen E. Grady
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Lottery Ticket ◽  
Behavioral Management ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Self Examination

Breast self-examination (BSE) for breast cancer is used by only a fraction of the women who might benefit from it, and some studies show that older women who are more at risk for breast cancer are less likely to use it. This article reports a community study of women ( n = 528) who were trained in BSE in women's group meetings, provided a behavioral management intervention, and followed for two years. The intervention consisted of monthly postcard cues for BSE and lottery ticket rewards whenever a BSE record was returned indicating a BSE had been done. During the second year, the intervention was withdrawn. Results show that although women over 50 are no more likely to report having done more BSEs than women under 50 prior to entering the study, they did tend to do more BSEs during the intervention year and were significantly more compliant during the follow-up year. A more detailed analysis by age decade showed the highest rates of compliance in both years were for women ages 60–69 and 70–87. An analysis of attitudinal, history, and sociodemographic factors indicated that the only consistent predictor of BSE practice other than age and the intervention was the woman's confidence in BSE.

scholarly journals Effect of an educational film on the Health Belief Model and breast self-examination practice

1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-443
Author(s):  
Amal Kadry Attia ◽  
Dalal Aly Mohamed Abdel Rahman ◽  
Layla Ibrahim Kamel
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Health Belief Model ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Educational Film ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
One Year ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
Self Examination ◽  
The Health Belief Model

A longitudinal study of four phases was conducted to identify the effect of an educational film on the Health Belief Model and breast self-examination practice of second-year nursing students in Alexandria University. Findings showed that the health belief parameters [perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, benefits of and barriers to practising breast self-examination] were influenced differently by the film. A positive influence was observed between breast self-examination practice and film viewing;one-year post-film follow-up data revealed a high continuation rate of breast self-examination. The main reason cited for BSE practice was early detection of abnormalities

A Randomized Trial on Breast Self-Examination in Faenza (Northern-Italy)

1996 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Ferro ◽  
Annalisa Caroli ◽  
Oriana Nanni ◽  
Annibale Biggeri ◽  
Angelo Gambi
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Practical Session ◽  
One Year ◽  
Self Examination

Aims and background The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare two methods for teaching breast self-examination: theoretical and practical session versus mailed material. Methods A random sample of women aged 20-64 years was drawn from the demographic file of the city of Faenza (Northern-Italy). Of 825 sampled eligible women, 168 declined participation, 657 were randomly assigned, after completing a pretest questionnaire aimed at evaluating practice and quality of breast self-examination. Individualised instruction was administered to the treatment group invited to be taught breast self-examination in a medical practice setting. The control group received mailed information about breast self-examination. One year later, 443 women completed the posttest questionnaire. Results As far as concerns the first outcome of the trial (change in practice of breast-self examination) our study showed, after adjusting for lost-to-follow-up, no difference between the treatment and the control group. The analysis performed to evaluate the second outcome (change in quality of breast self-examination practice) showed that women of the treatment group improved the quality of breast self-examination practice more than the control group (Wilcoxon test, z=2.4, P<0.01). The same results have been confirmed by multiple regression analyses taking into account all potential confoun-ders. No selection bias affected these results. Conclusion Theoretical and practical sessions resulted in an improved quality of examination technique than did mailed material.

A 15–20 Year Follow-Up of Adult Psychiatric Patients

1995 ◽  
Vol 167 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Quinton ◽  
Lesley Gulliver ◽  
Michael Rutter
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
One Year

BackgroundAn exploratory study was undertaken of the importance of personality disorder in predicting the long-term outcome for both episodic disorders and social functioning.MethodIn 1966–67, a representative series of patients with children, free of episodic illness for at least one year, was sampled from the Camberwell Psychiatric Register and systematically assessed over a four-year period, using measures of known reliability and validity. Psychiatric disorder was measured using a PSE-compatible instrument. The follow-up after 15–20 years used the PSE and a systematic assessment of social functioning.ResultsOverall outcomes were similar across diagnoses, but an initial categorical diagnosis of personality disorder predicted much poorer outcomes on psychiatric and social measures for patients with unipolar depressive disorders than for those with other diagnoses.ConclusionsThe findings indicate the importance for prognosis of including a systematic assessment of personality disorder in the clinical assessment of patients with depressive disorder.

scholarly journals Knowledge and attitude among outpatient women visiting a healthcare center in northern Iran regarding breast self-examination: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Ahmadzadeh Amiri ◽  
Mohammadreza Haghshenas ◽  
Ali Ahmadzadeh Amiri ◽  
Fatemeh Daneshvar
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Self Examination

PurposeBreast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. This study aimed to compare the level of knowledge and attitude of females regarding Breast cancer and to determine the role of knowledge, attitude and barriers in performing regular self-examination.Design/methodology/approachNon-physician females aged 18 years old or above were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in two groups of usual clients and healthcare staff from January 2018 to January 2019 from a healthcare center in Sari, a major city in the northern district of Iran. A questionnaire was used to score the participants’ knowledge and attitude levels using questions about the participants' knowledge and attitude towards Breast cancer along with their status on Breast self-examination and barriers. Mean scores were used for statistical analysis using SPSS V25. p < 0.05 was considered significant.FindingsA final dataset of 279 females were collected. A significant difference in the knowledge and attitude regarding breast cancer was found between the two study groups (p < 0.001). The practice of BSE was significantly lower in the usual clients compared to non-physician healthcare staff (p < 0.001). The most frequent barriers for not performing a regular BSE were fear of finding a mass in usual clients (17.8%) and lack of confidence in healthcare staff (3.8%).Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include single-centered sample selection.Practical implicationsGiven the importance of early detection in breast cancer prevention and the general taboo regarding breast cancer screening methods in certain parts of the world, leading to poor results in early detection and prevention, the authors believe that it is of superior importance to address and promote positive attitudes in general population towards breast self-examination.Originality/valueGiven the importance of early detection in breast cancer prevention, and the general taboo regarding breast cancer screening methods in certain parts of the world, leading to poor results in early detection and prevention, the authors believe that it is of superior importance to address and promote positive attitudes in general population toward breast self-examination. The authors of this study believe that the manuscript represents honest and original work.

scholarly journals Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms and Breast Self-Examination Among Omani Female Teachers: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Zuweina Al-Ismaili ◽  
Khalid Al-Nasri ◽  
Amal Al-Yaqoobi ◽  
Ahmed Al-Shukaili
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Cancer Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Female Teachers ◽  
Breast Cancer Awareness ◽  
Self Examination

Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge of breast cancer (BC) risk factors, warning signs and symptoms and breast self-examination (BSE) practice among Omani female teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of female teachers aged 20–50 years was collected from January to December 2018 from three wilayats (provinces) in Al-Dhahira—Ibri, Dhank and Yunqal. A questionnaire that included the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale and demographic characteristics was administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: A total of 478 female teachers were included in the study (response rate: 72.4%). The majority of participants (60.5%) had good overall knowledge about BC while 19.9% of participants had excellent overall knowledge. Only 9% of participants demonstrating excellent knowledge of BC risk factors. More than half of the participants (56.1%) reported excellent knowledge in screening methods. Unfortunately, only 57% of the female teachers indicated practising BSE. Knowledge of BC symptoms was closely divided between excellent and good levels (45.8 and 42.5%, respectively). BSE practice was significantly (P <0.05) correlated with overall knowledge of BC and its symptoms and screening methods, but not with knowledge of BC risk factors. Conclusion: This study revealed unsatisfactory overall knowledge of BC risk factors, symptoms, screening methods and BSE practice among female Omani teachers in Al-Dhahira Governorate. These findings constitute a challenge to healthcare providers to continue developing awareness of BC and providing health information to the public.Keywords: Breast Cancer; Awareness; Knowledge; Breast Self-Examination; Risk factors; Signs and Symptoms; Oman.

scholarly journals Breast Cancer Awareness Among Zayed University Female Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaima K. AlBlooshi ◽  
Lina T. Al Kury ◽  
Pavlos Malindretos
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Breast Cancer Incidence ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Ultra Sound ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Breast Self Examination ◽  
Self Examination

Background/Aim: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among female population worldwide. In the United Arab Emirates, breast cancer accounts for 31-43% of all cancer types. Recently, breast cancer incidence has declined as a result of development of better diagnostic techniques. Good knowledge and awareness about early detection of signs and symptoms of the disease are the most important keys for reducing morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness about the risk factors of breast cancer, as well as, the knowledge about screening methods among female students at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Method:  A random cross-sectional survey was carried to evaluate the level of awareness about breast cancer among female students at Zayed University. A total of 100 females aged 18–31 from different colleges were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 program. Chi- square test was used together with Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results show that there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about the risk factors for breast cancer. Only 12% of the participants knew that physical inactivity is a risk factor. However, 29% of the participants knew that obesity is a risk factor. Knowledge about screening methods was poor and varied according to the marital and educational status of the students. Only 17% of the total participants have done breast self-examination. Single women had less frequently performed breast self-examination compared to married women Although 40% of the participants knew about ultra sound, only 22% of the students did have the knowledge about the proper age of mammogram screening. Conclusion: The results point to the lack of awareness among female students about breast cancer, the risk factors and screening methods. Therefore, effective educational programs are required to improve the knowledge level of university students regarding breast cancer and related practices.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document