Predictors of breast self-examination practices among female undergraduates in selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria: The Health Belief Model Approach

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The study assessed the knowledge and practices of breast self-examination and predictors among female undergraduates at Olabisi Onabanjo University and Babcock University in Ogun State using the Health Belief Model. 

METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 female undergraduates selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. A chi-square test was used to assess the association, while logistic regression was used to determine the predictors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. 

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 16 ±2.5 years. The majority of the respondents, 292 (74.4%), had heard about breast self-examination, and more than half, 235 (59.9%) of the study participants had performed breast self-examination. Perceived susceptibility (AOR=1.62, 95%CI=1.31-1.87, p=0.003), perceived severity (AOR=1.81, 95%CI=1.53-1.91, p=0.034), perceived benefits (AOR=1.21, 95%CI=1.20-1.59, p=0.021) and perceived self -efficacy were predictors of self –breast examination (AOR=3.7, 95%CI=2.33-5.92, p<0.001). 

CONCLUSION: There was low practice of breast self-examination among respondents. Constructs of the health belief model were predictors of the practice of self-breast examination. There is a need for educational programs to enhance the constructs of the health belief model that can improve the practice regarding breast self-examination.