Correlation study of knowledge and behavior regarding breast care among female undergraduate students in China

This study aimed to understand the relationship between knowledge level and behavior on breast care in Chinese students, so as to provide strategies for improving the health education of breast care and subsequently for aiding in breast cancer prevention.

A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate breast care knowledge level and characterize related behavior. Correlation analysis was conducted for the knowledge level and behavior. The study was carried out using 597 female undergraduate students in medical and non-medical colleges in Wuhu, China.

The average score of breast care knowledge was 5.32±1.68 (5.62±1.68 and 5.00±1.68 for medical and non-medical students, respectively), with a greater score value for sophomores (5.59±1.72) than freshmen (5.18±1.65). The average score of breast care behavior was 2.21±1.13, again with a greater value in sophomores (2.37±1.15) than freshmen (2.21±1.13). A significant positive correlation (r=0.231, p<0.01) between knowledge scores and behavior scores was observed. In addition, various factors, including paying attention to breast care information, receiving breast self-examination guidance, TV program and Internet, were found to influence breast care knowledge.

In general, female undergraduate students lack of self-awareness of breast care with a low rate of breast self-examination. It is necessary to carry out health education to improve early detection of breast cancer.