KNOWLEDGE OF BREAST CANCER AND PRACTICE OF SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study investigated breast cancer and practice of self-breast examination enhancement strategies among female undergraduate students in Lagos State University. This study was guided by two research questions and hypotheses. Cross-sectional research survey was adopted and population for the study consisted of female undergraduates in Lagos State University. The study sample comprised 300 female undergraduate students spread across six faculties in Lagos State University, Ojo and using convenience sampling techniques for respondents’ selection. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled "Breast Cancer and Practice of Self-breast Examination Questionnaire" (BCPSBEQ). The reliability of the instrument was achieved using the test-retest method, while Cronbach alpha test and r-value of 0.86. Data collected were analysed using frequency count and percentages, while inferential statistic of chi-square was used to analyze the questionnaire items. The findings of this study revealed that breast cancer and practice of self-breast examination enhancement strategies influences female undergraduates in Lagos State University. It was recommended among others that higher institutions include breast cancer and breast self-examination as topics in health education studies in their institutions. Health educators and professionals should adopt and use the breast self-examination as it will help raise a very high level of breast cancer knowledge and enhance the practice of self-breast examination among female undergraduate.