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Factors Associated With Breast Self-Examination Among Female Healthcare Providers in Moshi Municipality, Northern
Sarah Anga1, Avelin Silayo1, Rahma Ally1
1School of Medicine, KCMC University, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, kcmuco.ac.tz.
Background:
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, low-cost, noninvasive, and painless method that can support early detection of breast cancer (BC). In Tanzania, the burden of BC continues to rise, with increasing incidence and a high proportion of cases presenting at advanced stages. The incidence is projected to increase by up to 82% by 2030. Despite ongoing efforts to improve early detection, mortality remains substantial. Female healthcare providers play a critical role in promoting preventive health behaviors and influencing community attitudes. Therefore, adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward BSE among healthcare providers are essential for improving its practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BSE practice and its associated factors among female healthcare providers in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania.
Methods:
A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among female healthcare providers who met the eligibility criteria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select both health facilities and participants, yielding a sample size of 301. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and proportions, were used to summarize categorical variables, while means were used for continuous variables. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with BSE practice. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported, and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The prevalence of BSE practice was 78.7%; however, only 27.2% of participants reported practicing BSE regularly (monthly) as recommended. Knowledge of BSE was the only independent predictor significantly associated with BSE practice (AOR = 7.72, 95% CI: 2.78-21.44). Additionally, having given birth was significantly associated with BSE practice (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.66).
Conclusion:
Although the overall prevalence of BSE practice among female healthcare providers in Moshi is relatively high, regular practice remains low. Knowledge was the key factor influencing BSE practice. Interventions such as continuous training, reminder systems, and integration of BSE education into workplace health programs are needed to promote consistent and effective practice.
