Other Titles
Assessing Breast Self-Examination Knowledge and Practice Among Female Undergraduates in Oyo, Nigeria [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is a major global health burden and the most common malignancy among women in Nigeria. Early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) remains a cost-effective method for reducing mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Despite high awareness levels, many young women lack adequate knowledge and regular practice of BSE. This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and practice of BSE among female undergraduate students in two tertiary institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study population comprised female undergraduates from Atiba University and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants from various faculties and levels of study. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. Content validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.80. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (frequencies, means, Chi-square tests) at a 0.05 level of significance.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.1 ± 2.4 years. Most (89%) had heard of BSE, and 76.9% demonstrated fair to good knowledge. However, only 53.3% had ever practiced BSE, and 25.3% performed it monthly. The most cited barriers were forgetfulness (39%), fear of detecting abnormalities (30%), and lack of confidence (26%).
Chi-Square analysis showed significant associations between knowledge level and BSE practice (p = 0.002), family history of breast cancer and practice (p = 0.003), and academic level and knowledge (p = 0.03). Respondents with higher knowledge and positive attitudes were more likely to practice BSE regularly.
Conclusion: The study highlights a critical gap between awareness and effective practice of BSE among female undergraduates. Despite good general awareness, inconsistent practice and low procedural accuracy persist due to psychological and informational barriers. It emphasizes the need for continuous health education, curriculum-based interventions, and theory-driven behavioral programs in tertiary institutions to foster consistent and correct BSE practice.
Notes
Presenter notes available for slides #3 and #4 in attached slide deck. To see the notes in Adobe Acrobat, go to Tools > Comment or look at your Layers Panel. If the notes were saved as comments or layers, you can toggle them visible.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Chi Omicron
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Cross-Sectional
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Competence, Implementation Science, Policy and Advocacy, Breast Self-Examination, Young Women, Undergraduates, Oyo State (Nigeria), Nigeria
Recommended Citation
Famutimi, Esther Oluwatoyin and Ayandokun, Phoebe O., "Assessing BSE Knowledge and Practice Among Female Undergraduates in Oyo, Nigeria" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 343.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/343
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-09-30
Assessing BSE Knowledge and Practice Among Female Undergraduates in Oyo, Nigeria
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Breast cancer is a major global health burden and the most common malignancy among women in Nigeria. Early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) remains a cost-effective method for reducing mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Despite high awareness levels, many young women lack adequate knowledge and regular practice of BSE. This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and practice of BSE among female undergraduate students in two tertiary institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The study population comprised female undergraduates from Atiba University and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants from various faculties and levels of study. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. Content validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.80. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (frequencies, means, Chi-square tests) at a 0.05 level of significance.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.1 ± 2.4 years. Most (89%) had heard of BSE, and 76.9% demonstrated fair to good knowledge. However, only 53.3% had ever practiced BSE, and 25.3% performed it monthly. The most cited barriers were forgetfulness (39%), fear of detecting abnormalities (30%), and lack of confidence (26%).
Chi-Square analysis showed significant associations between knowledge level and BSE practice (p = 0.002), family history of breast cancer and practice (p = 0.003), and academic level and knowledge (p = 0.03). Respondents with higher knowledge and positive attitudes were more likely to practice BSE regularly.
Conclusion: The study highlights a critical gap between awareness and effective practice of BSE among female undergraduates. Despite good general awareness, inconsistent practice and low procedural accuracy persist due to psychological and informational barriers. It emphasizes the need for continuous health education, curriculum-based interventions, and theory-driven behavioral programs in tertiary institutions to foster consistent and correct BSE practice.
Description
Study assesses BSE knowledge & practice among Nigerian female undergraduates. 89% aware, 76.9% have fair-good knowledge, but only 53.3% practice BSE. Barriers: forgetfulness, fear, lack of confidence. Higher knowledge linked to regular practice. Need for health education & interventions to improve BSE practice.