Breast awareness amongst fifth formers attending state schools.

Abstract

This research study aimed to study and explore breast awareness amongst fifth formers attending State Schools. Achievement of the overall purpose of this research project was attempted through the following research objectives: to identify whether students are aware of the risk factors of developing breast cancer; to determine whether students are informed about breast awareness; to explore whether students are breast aware; to identify the source of their information; to explore if students would like to get more information about breast awareness. To fulfil the study's aim and objectives a quantitative research design was utilized to conduct this research study. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed among fifth form students attending Junior Lyceums in four different schools in Malta. A convenience sample of 96 students was used out of which 77 students (80.2%) returned a completed questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS. Results showed that most of the students had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Half of the students had knowledge about breast lumps. Most of the students (68.8%) had poor knowledge of the risk factors of breast cancer. The most widely known risk factor among the students was, past history of breast cancer (87%). Half of the students (51%) knew how to examine their breasts. However, a low percentage of students (31.2%) reported that they had performed BSE but most of them affirmed they do not normally examine their breasts. The most common reason for not doing breast self-examination v was "not knowing how to perform breast self-examination" (44.2%). There was a significant relationship between breast self-examination practice and knowledge about breast self-examination. Most of the students preferred to get more information from the media (advertisements, magazine and TV program). There is a need to increase awareness among female teenagers about the risks of breast cancer and the benefits of early detection. Health care professionals can develop valuable breast health care programs and help young women gain positive health habits. Hence, a list of recommendations was given which can be applied in breast awareness programmes.