COGNITIVE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRACTICES OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE YOUTHS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast self examination, a screening technique for breast cancer, is advocated due to ease of use. However, several factors have hindered practice. This study aims to examine cognitive and psychosocial factors associated with practice of breast self-examination among female youths. Methods: The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design and was done in University of Ibadan. Structured sampling technique was used to select 149 respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for the social science (SPSS 21) was used. Data were presented as frequency and percentages while chi-square test and regression were used to test hypotheses. Results: Mean age of respondents was within 21 and 25 years and 99.3% were aware of Breast self-examination. The mean knowledge of technique among participants was 52.45%. Association was found between knowledge and practice of breast self-examination. (x2 = 15.15, P=0.004). There is relationship between significant cognitive factors and practice of technique which were forgetfulness (x2  = 7.66, P=0.005) and lack of procedure demonstration(x2 = 7.93, P=0.005). Implicating psychosocial factors: lack of motivation (x2  = 1.31, P=0.050), lack of trust in performance (x2  = 1.65, P=0.040), and nervousness (x2  = 0.23, P=0.035) had statistical association in practice of breast self-examination. Conclusion: There are cognitive and psychosocial factors hindering practice of breast self-examination among youths. Education addressing factors will increase regular practice.