Correlational Study on Breast Self Examination in Prevention of Cancer

Late presentation into hospital among women with breast cancer is a cause for concern affecting women’s health in Zimbabwe. Early detection of breast cancer can be achieved through Breast Self Examination (BSE), which is a self care technique that women can learn and perform. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between knowledge and adherence to BSE in the prevention of breast cancer. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the study. A descriptive correlational design was used. The study population comprised of pregnant women aged 18-40 years in a Central Hospital Antenatal Clinic. The sample size for the study had 80 subjects. Systematic random sampling was used to select study subjects. Data was collected using a structured interview questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze characteristics of the sample demographics, independent and dependent variables. Inferential and correlational statistics were used to analyze data. Pearson correlation co-efficient and linear regression was used to examine the relationship between knowledge of BSE and adherence to BSE.