The Relationship Between Breast Self-Examination Efficacy and Breast Self-Examination Practice Among Staff Nurses, Bangladesh

The purposes of this descriptive study were to determine the level of breast self-examination (BSE) efficacy, BSE practice, BSE proficiency of staff nurses at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, and to examine the relationship between nurses’ BSE efficacy and BSE practice. The sample size was 100 nurses drawn from 273 total nurses at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Data were collected by administering self-report questionnaire including subject’s demographic characteristics, BSE efficacy questionnaire and BSE practice questionnaire. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and Independent t-test. The results revealed that very few amount of nurses practiced BSE (15%). A moderate level of BSE efficacy was found in overall BSE efficacy, BSE procedural efficacy, and BSE barriers management efficacy. Statistical mean difference was found in BSE efficacy and practice between BSE performed group and not performed group (M = 3.82, SD =0.31 and M = 3.38, SD =0.16, respectively). To promote BSE practice, nurses’ BSE efficacy should be enhanced by providing continual BSE educational program and clinical facilities.