KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE ACCOUNTING STUDENTS IN BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) serving as a simple and cost-effective preventive measure. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among female accounting students at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The population comprised of 148 female accounting students, and a sample size of 108 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. The instrument consisted of four sections assessing socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of BSE, practice of BSE, and factors and barriers influencing BSE practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and Chi-square test to determine relationships between variables. Findings revealed that 83.3% of respondents had heard of BSE, while 46.3% had received formal education about it. However, only 22.2% practiced BSE monthly, while 67.6% reported ever practicing it. A significant relationship (χ² = 14.29, df = 6, p = 0.027) was found between respondents’ level of knowledge and their frequency of BSE practice. Major barriers identified included forgetfulness, lack of confidence, fear of discovering a lump, and inadequate awareness programs. The study concluded that while awareness of BSE was relatively high, regular and correct practice remained low. It recommended intensified health education programs, incorporation of BSE training into university curricula, and peer-led awareness campaigns to promote early detection of breast cancer among young women. Keywords: Breast Self-Examination, Knowledge, Practice, Female Students, Benson Idahosa University