Table 3 Distribution of time BSE practiced, and the reasons given to perform or not perform BSE among women in Wolaita Sodo, 2019 (n = 626)
Variable/characteristics | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
Appropriate time of BSE | |
Few days after menses | 97 (45) |
Few days before menses | 13 (6) |
No specific time | 107 (49) |
Frequency of BSE practices | |
Twice per month | 48 (22.2) |
Once every month | 98 (45) |
Once every 6 month | 2 (0.9) |
Once per year | 4 (1.9) |
Any time I observe a change | 65 (30) |
Advantage of regular breast self-examination | |
Detect any abnormality | 72 (33) |
Learn how the breast normally looks and feels | 56 (26) |
Detect breast cancer earlier and promote treatment | 89 (41) |
Reasons for performing BSE | |
Fear of breast cancer | 51(23.5) |
Early detection of breast cancer | 128 (59) |
Breast cancer in the family/friends | 13 (6) |
Previous breast problems | 3 (1.4) |
Heard from media | 22 (10) |
Barriers to BSE | |
I don’t have enough privacy for BSE practice | 14 (6.4) |
Pressure of work/I am too busy | 30 (13.8) |
Doubts about its effectiveness | 11 (5) |
Absence of symptoms/disease | 13 (6) |
I am scared of being diagnosed with breast cancer | 7 (3.4) |
Forgetfulness | 10 (4.6) |
I know I can never have breast cancer | 13 (6) |
No obstacle (barriers) | 119 (54.8) |