Knowledge Regarding Breast Self-Examination and Perceived Barriers to Its Practice Among Female Nursing Students in North India: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent and lethal cancers in women worldwide, and early detection still has a significant role to play in increasing survival. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, low-cost technique that promotes breast awareness, and nursing students, as future health educators, need adequate knowledge and confidence to model and teach this behavior to the women they will serve. However, knowledge does not necessarily lead to practice, as sociocultural, psychological, and skill-related barriers may intervene.

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge regarding BSE, to describe the reported practice of BSE and perceived barriers and to find the association between level of knowledge and selected demographic characteristics among female nursing students.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 123 female nursing students pursuing B.Sc. Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery and Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing were selected by non-probability convenience sampling from a university in Greater Noida, India. Data were collected using a structured 10-item knowledge questionnaire and an 8-item five-point Likert perceived-barriers checklist.

Results: Poor knowledge was found in 34.1% of 123 participants, average knowledge in 45.5% and good knowledge in 20.3% (M = 5.58, SD = 2.15), despite 93.5% of the participants having had prior formal BSE training. Concerning practice, 43.9% practiced BSE regularly, 43.9% occasionally, and 12.2% never. The mean perceived-barrier score was moderate (M = 23.8, SD = 8.05). The most endorsed barriers were uncertainty about correct technique (48.0%) and low confidence (38.2%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with academic program (p =.019), year of study (p =.008) and family history of breast cancer (p <.001) but not with age, marital status or previous training (p >.05).

Conclusion: Previous BSE training was not adequate to ensure knowledge or confidence. The barriers to regular practice identified were skill and confidence issues, not time or general awareness. This points out the necessity of structured hands-on BSE training integrated throughout the nursing curriculum.