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Predictors affecting breast self‐examination practice among undergraduate female students in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Author(s) -
AkhtariZavare Mehrnoosh,
A. Lattif Latiffah,
Juni Muhamad Hanafiah,
Md Said Salmiah,
Ismail Irmi Zarina
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.12819
Subject(s) - malay , medicine , breast self examination , breast cancer , logistic regression , cross sectional study , odds ratio , family medicine , gynecology , odds , demography , multivariate analysis , obstetrics , cancer , pathology , philosophy , linguistics , sociology
Aim Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, including Malaysia. In developing countries, predictors affecting breast self‐examination (BSE) practice are different. This cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of BSE practice and the predictors affecting BSE practice among undergraduate female students in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Material and Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 820 female undergraduate students to assess the BSE performance and related determinants of BSE practice in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data were collected via a self‐administered structured questionnaire that was developed for this study. Results The mean age of the respondents was 21.7 ± 1.2 years old. Most of them were single (96.8%), Malay (91.9%) and 19.6% of the participants performed BSE regularly. Multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that BSE performance was more likely among women who have checked their breast with a doctor (odds ratio = 2.04, P = 0.00), and women who have personal history of breast disease (odds ratio = 4.43, P = 0.03). Conclusion The findings showed a low BSE practice rate among young Malaysian women. Hence, the community's breast health awareness is needed to improve breast cancer prevention among young Malaysian women.