Knowledge and Attitude of Breast Self-Examination Practice Among Female Undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria: A Narrative Review 4 3
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/sjhrs.vol1no1.5Keywords:
Breast self-examination, breast cancer, knowledge, attitude, undergraduates, Southeast Nigeria, narrative reviewAbstract
Background: Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally and is a leading cause of cancer mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, late presentation and poor screening uptake contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Breast self-examination (BSE) remains a low-cost accessible strategy for early detection in resource-limited settings. Female undergraduates constitute an important target group for preventive health education.
Objective: To synthesize published literature on knowledge and attitude toward breast self-examination practice among female undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria, with emphasis on awareness, depth of knowledge, attitudes, practice patterns, and identified barriers.
Methods: A narrative review methodology was adopted. Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched for studies conducted among female undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria assessing knowledge and/or attitude toward BSE. Studies published in English were included. Findings were thematically synthesized.
Results: Evidence demonstrates consistently high awareness of BSE among female undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria. However, detailed procedural knowledge—particularly regarding correct timing and technique—is frequently inadequate. Attitudes toward BSE are generally positive, yet regular monthly practice remains low. Barriers include insufficient procedural knowledge, fear of discovering abnormalities, forgetfulness, perceived low susceptibility, and absence of structured educational programmes. Educational interventions significantly improve knowledge and practice indicators.
Conclusion: Although awareness and positive attitudes toward BSE are widespread among female undergraduates in Southeast Nigeria, significant gaps remain in consistent and correct practice. Structured, skill-based institutional programmes are recommended to bridge the knowledge–practice gap and strengthen early detection culture among young women.
Downloads
References
1. Adejoh T., Ezugwu E.E., Erondu F.O., Okeji M.C., Anumihe P.O., Asogwa C.O. A Dual-Modality Quantification of Scattered Radiation from Head to Female Breasts During Radiological Investigations in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. The Egyptian Journal of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine,2021;52:240 DOI:10.1186/s43055-021-00610-1
2. Dare AJ, Knapp GC, Romanoff A, Olasehinde O, Famurewa OC, Komolafe AO, Olatoke S, Katung A, Alatise OI, Kingham TP. High-burden Cancers in Middle- income Countries: A Review of Prevention and Early Detection Strategies Targeting At-risk Populations. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2021;14(12):1061-1074. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-20-0571
3. Tom ADEJOH, Vivian Della ATUWO-AMPOH, Godswill Monday EFFIONG, Promise Emmanuel AKWILAM, Chimezie Great AKWAEZE, Ejiofor Shadrach EZUGWU, et. al. Comparative Audit of Radiation in Medicine Resources in Anglophone West African Countries of Nigeria and Ghana. Radiography, 2025;32(6):103130https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2025.103130
4. Olasehinde O, Alatise O, Omisore A, Wuraola F, Odujoko O, Romanoff A, Akinkuolie A, Arowolo O, Adisa A, Knapp G, Famurewa O, Omisile I, Onabanjo E, Constable J, Omoniyi-Esan G, Adesunkanmi AR, Lawal O, Kingham TP. Contemporary management of breast cancer in Nigeria: Insights from an institutional database. Int J Cancer, 2021;148(12):2906-2914. doi: 10.1002/ijc.33484
5. Akuoko CP, Armah E, Sarpong T, Quansah DY, Amankwaa I, Boateng D. Barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer among African women living in sub-Saharan Africa. PLoS One. 2017;12(2):e0171024. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171024
6. Ogunbode AM, Fatiregun AA, Ogunbode OO, Adebusoye LA. Breast examination as a cost-effective screening tool in a clinical practice setting in Ibadan, Nigeria. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med., 2013; 14;5(1):401. doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v5i1.401
7. Dey S. Preventing breast cancer in LMICs via screening and/or early detection: The real sand the surreal. World J ClinOncol, 2014;5(3):509-19doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.509
8. Coskun S, Alibekiroğlu N, Gençyürek G. Effect of Peer Education on Early Breast Cancer Detection, Health Responsibility, Health Beliefs, Knowledge, and Practices Among University Students. Public Health Nurs. 2025;42(5):1694-1706. doi: 10.1111/phn.70000
9. Andrew Tong JW, Hee MQ. The impact of an online educational game on breast cancer awareness among university female students, Malaysia: a pilot study. BMC Cancer. 2023;23(1):947 doi:10.1186/s12885-023-11427-8
10. Maniago JD, Feliciano EE, Santos AM, Agunod CL, Adolfo CS, Vasquez BA, Albougami A, Almazan JU. Barriers in performing physical assessment among nursing students: An integrative review. Int J Nurs Sci. 2020;8(1):120-129. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.12.013
11. Nde FP, Assob JC, Kwenti TE, Njunda AL, Tainenbe TR. Knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self- examination among female undergraduate students in the University of Buea. BMC Res Notes. 2015;8:43. doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1004-4
12. Abusaris R, Alsaqabi D, Ibrahim AFA, A'aqoulah A, Alanazi MR, Alsheikh M, Albawardi F, Awawdeh MA, Salem SS. Prevalence and predictors of carcinophobia among the non-cancer population in Saudi Arabia. Sci Rep.2025;15(1):29356. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-15181-8
13. Alanazi, W.N., Mohamed, G.M., Alosaimi, N.S. et al. Breast cancer awareness, knowledge and self- screening intention among females in Northern Border of Saudi Arabia, Arar City. BMC Public Health 25, 964 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22092-w
14. Zewdu EM, Demessie A, Nigatu AM, Baykemagn ND. Intention to use mobile text message reminders for medication adherence among hypertensive patients in North West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):1451. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024- 11794-3
