Exploring the Influencing Factors on Breast Self-Examination among Ethiopian Women, 2022: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Background : Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. However, in Ethiopia, most of thebreast self-examination studies were not conducted among women in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional qualitative study design was conducted from May 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 46 women from four selected districts in North Shewa Zone, Oromia. A Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for FGD Results: Four themes emerged as the results of the in- focus group discussions, namely knowledge of breast cancer, knowledge regarding breast self-examination, Perceived benefits of treatment, barriers to performing regular BSE and enablers of BSE practice. Conclusion: The study identified and described the factors influencing BSE practice which are inadequate knowledge regarding BSE practice and BC and also, misconceptions of BC and BSE practice. So, BSE shall be encouraged by improving knowledge of BSE practice and perception of BSE practice and BC through providing special health education for women at all levels. To overcome this problem, effort is needed from health system management like, North Shewa zonal Health Office, and the regional health bureau, Health care providers, cancer associations at the regional health bureau.