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Introduction <p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important early detection strategy that can improve breast cancer outcomes if practiced regularly. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding BSE among females attending outpatient departments (OPDs) in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).</p> Methodology <p>This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15–31, 2024, at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Muzaffarabad, AJK. A total of 400 females aged 15–26&#xa0;years were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding BSE. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with chi-square tests used to explore associations.</p> Results <p>Among the participants, 72.6% had heard of BSE, and 88% of these deemed it necessary. However, only 12.4% practiced BSE regularly. Among those practicing, 50.1% reported being influenced by physician advice, compared to 17% influenced by general awareness campaigns. Significant associations were observed between awareness and participants’ education level and place of residence (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Despite high awareness, the practice rate of BSE remained low.</p> Conclusion <p>A significant gap exists between awareness and practice of BSE. Addressing barriers through physician–patient interactions and targeted educational initiatives is crucial for promoting early breast cancer detection and improving outcomes.</p>

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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Females Aged 15–26 Years Reporting to the Outpatient Department of Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences and Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月26日

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  • Amina Anjum,
  • Muhammad Owais,
  • Hifsa Waqar,
  • Sara Bashir Kant

摘要

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important early detection strategy that can improve breast cancer outcomes if practiced regularly. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding BSE among females attending outpatient departments (OPDs) in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Methodology

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15–31, 2024, at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Muzaffarabad, AJK. A total of 400 females aged 15–26 years were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pre-validated questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding BSE. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with chi-square tests used to explore associations.

Results

Among the participants, 72.6% had heard of BSE, and 88% of these deemed it necessary. However, only 12.4% practiced BSE regularly. Among those practicing, 50.1% reported being influenced by physician advice, compared to 17% influenced by general awareness campaigns. Significant associations were observed between awareness and participants’ education level and place of residence (p < 0.05). Despite high awareness, the practice rate of BSE remained low.

Conclusion

A significant gap exists between awareness and practice of BSE. Addressing barriers through physician–patient interactions and targeted educational initiatives is crucial for promoting early breast cancer detection and improving outcomes.