The relationship between knowledge of breast self-examination and practices regarding breast self-examination among women aged 25 – 49 years at Mbare family services clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and it is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women (Jemal, Ward, Center, Siegel and Thun). In Zimbabwe, the proportion of women dying from breast cancer is 1 in 28. The breast cancer rates are higher than those for any other cancers besides lung cancer (Chokunonga, Borok, Chirenje, Nyakabau and Rukainga, 2009). The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge of breast self-examination and practices regarding breast self-examination among women aged 25 to 49 years at Mbare Family Services Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Health Promotion Model was used to guide the study. A non-experimental descriptive correlational study design was used. A simple random sample of 85 women who visited Mbare Family Services Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe was used. A structured interview questionnaire comprised of demographic data, knowledge of breast self-examination and practices of breast self-examination. A pilot study was conducted. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS/CP). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and the Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. The study findings showed a strongly positive linear relationship between knowledge of breast self-examination and practice of breast self-examination. The r = 0.668 indicating that as knowledge improves the practice of breast self-examination improves. The regression analysis was done R2 = .446 which implies that the effect of knowledge accounts for 44.6% of the variation on the practice of breast self-examination.