Breast cancer knowledge and utilization of available screening services among female University Students in selected universities in Osun State,Nigeria.

1. KNOWLEDGE, OF RISK FACTORS AND UTILIZATION OF BREAST CANCER
SCREENING AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN OSUN STATE,
NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
Objective: The study assessed the level of awareness and knowledge of breast cancer and
the screening services available and opinion on risk factors associated with breast cancer
among female university students in Osun State. It also determined the level of utilization
and factors influencing utilization of screening services for breast cancer among them.
Method: The study was a cross sectional descriptive survey carried out among randomly
selected female university students residing in halls of residence in two selected
Universities in Osun State. A semi-structured questionnaire was used and the data were
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Result: The study showed that 90% of the respondents had heard of breast cancer, 10%
were aware of breast cancer screening services. Of the 90% that had heard of breast cancer,
42% had poor knowledge, 39% had fair knowledge and 19% had good knowledge of
breast cancer. 89% of the respondents had utilized breast cancer screening services, of
which 71.9% conducted self-breast examination and 4.3% had mammography done. It
was observed that the level of study and religion of respondents were factors associated
with utilization of breast cancer screening services.
Conclusion: The study concluded Self-breast examination (SBE) was the most adopted
breast cancer screening services.