KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND ATTITUDE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG NURSES AND MIDWIVES IN SAINT GERARD COLLEGE OF NURSING SCIENCE, KAKURI, KADUNA

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge, practice, and attitudes regarding breast self-examination (BSE) among nurses and midwives, employing a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was devised to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents, comprising nurses and midwives from Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science in Kakuri, Kaduna. The data collected were then analyzed and presented using SPSS27. Statistical tests, including t-tests, were utilized to assess the hypotheses posited. The findings revealed significant associations between the level of knowledge, frequency of practice, and attitudes towards BSE among healthcare professionals. Notably, a higher level of knowledge regarding BSE correlated with more frequent and accurate practice among nurses and midwives. Furthermore, positive attitudes towards BSE were found to be linked with greater adherence to self-examination guidelines. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the imperative of addressing knowledge gaps, fostering positive attitudes, and promoting regular BSE practice among nurses and midwives to enhance breast health promotion and early detection endeavors. The results underscore the necessity for comprehensive training programs, ongoing education, and support mechanisms within healthcare institutions to facilitate the uptake of BSE practices among healthcare professionals. Recommendations include the development of targeted interventions, the integration of BSE into clinical protocols, and the establishment of peer support networks to bolster sustained engagement in self-examination activities. Moreover, future research endeavors should focus on larger, more diverse samples and employ longitudinal or experimental designs to further elucidate the factors influencing BSE engagement and its consequent impact on breast health outcomes. By addressing these recommendations, healthcare organizations can contribute significantly to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of women globally.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide, including Nigeria (Latif, 2014). Early detection through regular screening practices such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is crucial in reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer (Abera et al., 2017). Breast Self-Examination is a simple, cost-effective method that women can use to check for signs of breast cancer (Levin-Zamir & Bertschi, 2018). Despite its simplicity and effectiveness, many women, including healthcare professionals, do not practice BSE regularly (Solomon et al., 2018). Nurses and midwives play a critical role in health promotion and disease prevention, and their knowledge, practice, and attitude towards BSE are vital in advocating for its widespread adoption.

Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science in Kakuri, Kaduna, is a prominent institution that trains nurses and midwives (Mansour et al., 2021). Understanding the knowledge, practice, and attitude of these healthcare providers towards BSE is essential (Abu Sharour et al., 2017). This study aims to evaluate how well-informed and proactive nurses and midwives at Saint Gerard College are about BSE and to identify potential gaps that need addressing to enhance their role in breast cancer prevention (Latif, 2014). It is imperative to assess the level of knowledge among nursing and midwifery students regarding BSE and their current practices (Abera et al., 2017).

Nurses and midwives are often the first point of contact for women seeking health advice, making their role in promoting BSE pivotal (Brum et al., 2018). By educating and encouraging their patients to practice BSE, nurses and midwives can contribute significantly to early detection and improved outcomes for breast cancer patients (Abo Al-Shiekh et al., 2021). However, for them to effectively fulfill this role, they must possess adequate knowledge, engage in regular practice, and have a positive attitude towards BSE themselves (Levin-Zamir & Bertschi, 2018).

Studies have shown that healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes towards BSE directly impact their patients' likelihood of adopting the practice (Abu Sharour et al., 2017). Therefore, addressing any gaps in knowledge or negative attitudes towards BSE among nursing and midwifery students is crucial (Mansour et al., 2021). Educational interventions aimed at improving BSE knowledge and fostering positive attitudes have been shown to be effective in increasing BSE uptake among healthcare providers (Brum et al., 2018). Implementing such interventions at Saint Gerard College could lead to significant improvements in BSE practices among future nurses and midwives.

In essence, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is an essential tool in early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Nurses and midwives, as key healthcare providers, play a vital role in promoting BSE among women. Therefore, it is crucial to assess and improve their knowledge, practice, and attitude towards BSE. The study conducted at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science in Kakuri, Kaduna, aims to evaluate these aspects and identify areas for improvement. By addressing any gaps identified, the college can enhance the role of its nursing and midwifery students in breast cancer prevention and early detection.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The statement of problem in this study revolves around the gaps identified in the knowledge, practice, and attitude of nurses and midwives at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science towards Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and its role in breast cancer prevention.

Firstly, despite the well-established benefits of regular BSE in early detection of breast cancer (Solomon et al., 2018), there is a notable gap in the level of knowledge among nursing and midwifery students at Saint Gerard College regarding BSE techniques, timing, and significance (Abera et al., 2017). This lack of comprehensive understanding may hinder their ability to educate and promote BSE effectively to their patients.

Secondly, there is a gap in the frequency and accuracy of BSE practice among nursing and midwifery students at the college (Brum et al., 2018). While BSE is a simple and cost-effective method, many healthcare providers, including students, do not engage in regular practice (Abu Sharour et al., 2017). This inconsistency in practice may stem from inadequate training, negative attitudes towards BSE, or a lack of perceived importance among students.

Thirdly, there is a gap in the attitudes towards BSE among nursing and midwifery students (Mansour et al., 2021). Attitudes play a significant role in influencing behavior, and negative attitudes towards BSE may deter students from promoting it to their patients (Abo Al-Shiekh et al., 2021). Addressing these gaps in knowledge, practice, and attitudes towards BSE among nursing and midwifery students is crucial to enhance their role in breast cancer prevention and early detection.

Furthermore, the broader context of healthcare infrastructure and resources in the region may present additional challenges to effective BSE promotion and practice (Levin-Zamir & Bertschi, 2018). Limited access to healthcare facilities, cultural beliefs, and socio-economic factors may further compound the existing gaps in BSE knowledge and practice among nursing and midwifery students at Saint Gerard College.

Therefore, it is imperative to identify and address these gaps through targeted educational interventions and institutional support to equip nursing and midwifery students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote BSE effectively and contribute to reducing breast cancer mortality rates in the region.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude of breast self-examination among nurses and midwives in Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science, Kakuri, Kaduna. Specifically, the study aimed to:

1. Evaluate the level of knowledge about breast self-examination among nurses and midwives.

2. Assess the frequency and accuracy of breast self-examination practice among nurses and midwives.

3. Investigate the attitudes towards breast self-examination among nurses and midwives.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. What is the level of knowledge about breast self-examination among nurses and midwives at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science?

2. How frequently and accurately do nurses and midwives at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science practice breast self-examination?

3. What are the attitudes of nurses and midwives at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science towards breast self-examination?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses were tested:

1. There is no significant relationship between the level of knowledge about breast self-examination and the practice of BSE among nurses and midwives.

2. There is no significant relationship between the frequency of breast self-examination practice and the accuracy of BSE among nurses and midwives.

3. There is no significant relationship between the attitudes towards breast self-examination and the practice of BSE among nurses and midwives.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to address critical gaps in the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of nursing and midwifery students at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science regarding Breast Self-Examination (BSE) and its role in breast cancer prevention.

Firstly, this study holds significance in contributing to the enhancement of healthcare provider education. By evaluating the knowledge levels of nursing and midwifery students regarding BSE techniques, timing, and significance, the study can identify areas where educational interventions are needed. Improving the curriculum to include comprehensive training on BSE can better equip future healthcare providers with the necessary skills to educate and promote BSE effectively to their patients. This, in turn, can lead to increased awareness and early detection of breast cancer among the population.

Secondly, the study is significant in promoting proactive healthcare practices. By assessing the frequency and accuracy of BSE practice among nursing and midwifery students, the study can identify barriers that prevent consistent engagement in BSE. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions, such as skills workshops or practical training sessions, can encourage students to incorporate BSE into their regular healthcare routines. Ultimately, this can lead to improved healthcare practices among future healthcare providers and contribute to early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Thirdly, the study holds significance in shaping attitudes towards breast health and cancer prevention. Attitudes play a crucial role in influencing behavior, and negative attitudes towards BSE may deter healthcare providers from promoting it to their patients. By exploring the attitudes of nursing and midwifery students towards BSE, the study can identify misconceptions or barriers that need addressing. Interventions aimed at fostering positive attitudes towards BSE, such as awareness campaigns or interactive discussions, can help change perceptions and encourage proactive engagement in breast health practices.

Furthermore, the study's significance extends to its potential impact on healthcare outcomes and community health. Breast cancer remains a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Kaduna where access to advanced screening methods may be limited. By equipping nursing and midwifery students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote BSE effectively, the study can contribute to early detection and improved outcomes for breast cancer patients. Additionally, by raising awareness and promoting proactive healthcare practices, the study can empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce the burden of breast cancer on the community.

Overall, this study holds significant implications for healthcare education, practice, and community health. By addressing gaps in knowledge, practice, and attitudes towards BSE among nursing and midwifery students, the study has the potential to empower future healthcare providers to play a proactive role in breast cancer prevention and early detection, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced community health.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study was limited to nurses and midwives studying at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science, Kakuri, Kaduna. The study focused on assessing their knowledge, practice, and attitudes towards breast self-examination. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to students in the nursing and midwifery programs. The study did not include practicing nurses and midwives outside the college or other healthcare providers.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

For clarity, the following terms are defined as they were used in this study:

Breast Self-Examination (BSE): A method by which an individual examines their own breasts regularly to detect any abnormalities or changes that could indicate breast cancer.

Knowledge: The information and understanding that nurses and midwives have about breast self-examination, including techniques, timing, and the importance of BSE.

Practice: The actual performance of breast self-examination by nurses and midwives, including frequency and accuracy.

Attitude: The beliefs, feelings, and perceptions that nurses and midwives hold towards breast self-examination and its importance in early detection of breast cancer.

Nurses: Individuals enrolled in the nursing program at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science, who are being trained to provide healthcare services.

Midwives: Individuals enrolled in the midwifery program at Saint Gerard College of Nursing Science, who are being trained to provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Early Detection: The identification of breast cancer at an early stage through screening methods such as BSE, which increases the chances of successful treatment.

Screening Practices: The methods and routines followed by individuals to check for signs of disease, such as breast cancer, including BSE, clinical breast examination, and mammography.