Assessing the Practice of Breast Self Exam Among Adult Females in Ishaka-Bushenyi District

ABSTRACT This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, employing quantitative method of data collection from adult females of Ishaka. The specific objectives of the study was to assess whether female adults of Ishaka residents have the knowledge of breast self-examination and its importance, to establish whether female residents of Ishaka practice breast selfexamination, and to establish the frequency of breast changes or breast masses among the women who practice breast self-examination A random sampling technique was used to determine the adult females who were to be included in the study. A structured interview administered questionnaire which includes both open and closed ended questions was used. The questionnaire was first pre-tested to ten women in a nearby market. Interpretation was given to those who were not able to read and write. The study revealed that more than three quarters of the respondents [78%] were aware of BSE. On the study majority of the women on the response of how often they carry out BSE 60% responded to when they feel like and 26% do it monthly and the rest having daily and weekly carrying 7% each as their way of practicing. This shows that even if they practice BSE it’s not well or routinely done since doing it when someone feels like which the majority do is not the proper way of practicing. 69% of those practicing BSE they reported to have ever found changes which worry them and 31% had never found anything. Most of the changes noted were breast lumps reported by 72% of the respondents and 22% had nipple discharges. In conclusion, most of the respondents in the study were found to be aware of BSE. The Health workers were the major sources of information while the media was the least. The knowledge about how BSE should be performed was generally poor and the majority had poor technique. Most respondents practiced BSE although less than half of them performed it on the recommended monthly basis and no need have been noted to seek medical help when abnormalities are detected.