Breast self-examination among Saudi female nursing students in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among Saudi female nursing college students in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2003. Saudi female nursing students (149) from the College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, and from the College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard, Riyadh, KSA, constituted the study population. The questionnaire contained items on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, knowledge of breast cancer, attitudes toward BSE and questions regarding the practice of BSE. The analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to examine the association between BSE and demographic, medical history, knowledge of BSE and attitudes toward BSE.

RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that 66% of the sample performs BSE. Approximately 62% of those who perform BSE said they learned information regarding BSE in their college curricula. The significant relation was found between higher levels in nursing college and BSE practice. Except for age, no significant relation was found between the socio-demographic factors and BSE practice. The sample showed strong belief in nipple discharge as a causing factor of breast cancer and had significant correlation and BSE practice.

CONCLUSION: Positive correlations were found between nursing students BSE practice and their academic experience in nursing college. Studies like these can enhance the knowledge regarding BSE among nurses and other medical professionals.