Title : To assess the knowledge and practice towards breast self-examination among teachers from a selected school in Mumbai
Abstract:
Background:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women both in the developed and less developed world. In spite the advent of modern screening methods; more than 90% of cases of cancers of breast are detected by women themselves. Even though BSE is a simple, quick, and cost-free procedure, the practice of BSE is low and varies in different countries. Stressing the importance of BSE on female school teachers, they are not only educators, but serve up as role models and change agents who often offer useful counsel on health promotion especially in a very low literate society.
Objective:
The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice towards breast self-examination among teachers from a selected school in Mumbai.
Methodology:
It is quantitative descriptive survey design. An anonymised questionnaire based study was conducted among teachers from selected school. Questionnaire on BSE validated from experts
doctors from oncology and gynecology from tertiary hospital. A total of 35 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study.
Result:
The findings of this study about assessment of knowledge displayed that none were there in poor knowledge category but most of the teachers were in average knowledge range followed by good knowledge range in teachers. Most of the teachers had good practices but few were average and followed by poor practices. Correlation between knowledge and practice regarding bse among teachers pearson’s correlation method. It is seen that the Pearson’s ( r ) table value is 0.334 at a level of significance 0.05 with no of pairs being 35. The calculated ‘r’ value is 0.451, which is more than the ‘r’ table value. Hence we can say that statistically there is a strong positive correlation between knowledge and practice among teachers. Association of knowledge and practice with other demographic variables there is no statistical significant difference. Thus knowledge and practice is not associated with them. Whereas working experience and knowledge of BSE is statistically associated. As association of practice with other demographic variables there is no statistical significant difference with practice. Thus practice is not associated with them. Practice is associated with type of family, working Experience and knowledge of BSE.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that levels of knowledge and practice on BSE to be improved more on teachers. Hence teachers being vital part in imparting knowledge to students and community more awareness can be given on BSE for early detection and prevention of breast cancer in women
