Purpose
This study was done to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breast self-examination (BSE) among middle and high school girls.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using self-report questionnaires. Participants were 412 students, 137 middle and 275 high school girls. Data were collected from December 7 to 23, 2016 and analyzed using t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results
The percentage of correct answers for knowledge about breast self-examination among middle and high school girls was 29.2%. The mean score for practice (5.89±0.10) among middle and high school girls was low. For knowledge, there were significant differences according to grade (t=5.93, p<.001), having heard about BSE (t=4.02, p<.001), experience of BSE (t=2.51, p=.012), and need for education (t=3.37, p=.001). In practice, there were significant differences according to having heard about BSE (t=3.64, p<.001), experience of BSE (t=2.64, p=.017). Knowledge level of BSE positively correlated with practice of BSE (r=.21, p<.001).
Conclusion
Research results suggest that education on BSE for middle and high school girls is needed to increase the possibility of early detection of breast cancer.

Citations

• Effects of smartphone application education combined with hands‐on practice in breast self‐examination on junior nursing students in South Korea
  So Ra Kang, Hyewon Shin, JungMin Lee, Shin‐Jeong Kim
  Japan Journal of Nursing Science.2020;[Epub]     CrossRef