Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self Examination among Final Years Female Medical Students in Sudan
[1]
Saadeldin A. Idris, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.
[2]
Aamir A. Hamza, Bahri University, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.
[3]
Mohamed M. Hafiz, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.
[4]
Mohammed Eltayeb A. Ali, Alneelain University, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.
[5]
Gamal E. H. A. El Shallaly, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Faculty of Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan.
Background: Breast Self Examination (BSE) is a process whereby women examine their breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swellings or lumps in order to seek prompt medical attention. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practice of Sudanese medical students regarding BSE. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study, in which female final year medical students in three governmental universities participated. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Two hundred students participated in the study. Their age ranged from 18 to 29 years, with a mean of 23. Most respondents (86%) were aware of BSE. Mass media such as Newspaper, Television and Radio were the major source of information while information conducted by health workers was the least. Nevertheless, only two thirds of the respondents reported performing BSE. The results point out that final year medical students have a non-satisfactory knowledge regarding BSE, compared to what is expected. Conclusion: The findings showed that the knowledge and practice of BSE is inadequate among young female medical students. BSE should be included in the curricula of both undergraduate and postgraduate medical schools.
Breast Self Examination, Knowledge, Practice
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