Likelihood of Breast Screening Uptake among Reproductive-aged Women in Ethiopia A Baseline Survey for Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND ፡ Breast cancer is the most devastating publichealth problem affecting women in developed and developingworld. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the likelihood oftaking breast self-examination as abreast screening behavioramong reproductive age women.METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study wasconducted on 810 reproductive-age women. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Studyparticipants were selected using systematic sampling method. Datawere analyzed using SPSS version 24.0.RESULTS: The likelihood of performing breast self-examinationwas 54.3%. However, the comprehensive knowledge of theparticipants was 11.5%. As independent predictors, perceivedseverity of breast cancer [AOR (95%CI) = 2.05 (1.03 to 1.07)] andself-efficacy [AOR (95%CI) = 2.97(0.36-0.99)] were positivelyassociated with the likelihood of performing breast self-examination whereas districts [AOR (95%CI) = 0.58 (0.37 to 0.91)]and place of residence [AOR (95%CI) = 0.69 (0.51 to 0.93)] werenegatively associated with the likelihood of performing breast self-examination. The HBM Model explained 64.2% of the variance inthis study.CONCLUSION: Although the likelihood of performing breast self-examination was relatively good, the comprehensive knowledge ofthe women was very low. Therefore, breast cancer screeningeducation must address knowledge and socio-cultural factors thatinfluence breast screening through awareness creation usingappropriate behavioral change communication strategies.