Factors Influencing the Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Female Tertiary Students in Ho, Ghana

Table 2

Level of practice of breast self-examination.

Practice of BSE variables	Frequency (N = 472)	Percentage (%)
Have you ever self-examined breast?
Yes	345	73.1
No	127	26.9
Currently the practice of BSE
Yes	274	79.4
No	71	20.6
Last time of BSE practice
Within this month	15	5.5
Within last month	127	46.4
Last three months	40	14.6
More than 6 months ago	6	2.2
Cannot remember	86	31.3
How often do you practice BSE?
Once every month	178	65.0
Once every six month	37	13.5
Once a year	26	9.5
Not often	23	8.4
Others	10	3.6
When did you start performing BSE?
Above 15 years	69	25.2
Below 20 years	60	21.9
20 years	57	20.8
Above 20 years	88	32.1
When do you perform BSE?
Before menstruation	31	11.3
During menstruation	4	1.5
After menstruation	105	38.3
Anytime	124	45.2
Cannot tell	10	3.7
Which manual technique do you prefer most?
Palpating breast with an inner face of the middle finger	215	78.5
Pinching the nipples for discharges	33	12.1
I do not know	20	7.2
Others	6	2.2
What are some of the signs you look out for?
Lump in breast	246	89.8
Changes in nipples or texture	160	58.4
Bloody discharge from the nipple	140	51.1
Changes in breast size	145	52.9
Level of practice of BSE
Good Practice	153	56
Poor Practice	121	44
Reasons for practising BSE
Early detection of BC	66	55.5
Family history	8	6.7
It is convenient	45	37.8
Reasons for not practising BSE
Absence of symptoms	41	36.3
Anxiety	21	18.6
Negative family history	4	3.5
I do not want to touch my body	6	5.3
Feels funny	16	14.2
I do not know how to do it	25	22.1