Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women In North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: By Using Health Belief Model

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Breast self-examination is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. However, in Ethiopia, most of the breast self-examinationstudies 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 study was conducted in the North Shewa zone from May 18/2022 to June 18/2022. 1076 women of reproductive age were selected by simple random sampling. For the quantitative part of the study, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used, and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part. SPSS version 26 was used for the analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. The degree of the association was expressed using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a P-value <0.05. Results: Overall 192(18.2%) with 95% CI (15.7, 20.5) of the participants had ever performed BSE. Among these, only 20 (10.4%) had practiced monthly. Being younger-aged women (15-24) [AOR = 3.9, 95% CI (2.2-6.8)], having a family history of BC [AOR = 6.9, 95% CI (4.6-10.3)], beingknowledgeable on BSE [AOR=3, 95% CI (1.9-4.3)], having high perceived susceptibility [AOR= 1.7, 95% CI (1.2-2.5)], having high self-efficacy [AOR=1.5, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] and having a high perceived benefit to BSE [AOR=1.5, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] were factors significantly associated of BSE practice. Conclusion: BSE practice in the North Shewa zone was very low. Age, family history of BC, knowledge of BSE practice, perceived susceptibility, benefit, and self-efficacy were independent predictors of BSE practice. North Shewa Zonal Health Office and other stakeholders should disseminate teaching materials that address the benefit of BSE practice.