Investigating the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Female Students Regarding Breast Self-Examination: A Cross-Sectional Study at Shahid Chamran University in Southwestern Iran

Background and aims: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women, with an increasing incidence. Given the importance of early diagnosis in the control and treatment of BC, as well as the simplicity and low cost of breast self-examination (BSE) as a screening method, this study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of female students at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz regarding BSE. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 400 female students aged>20 years selected through cluster random sampling from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The required data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of demographic information and scales assessing knowledge, practices, and attitudes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.75 (±3.029) years. The majority of participants had low knowledge, poor practice, and negative attitudes toward BSE. Only 10% of participants had received formal training in BSE. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was found between practice and knowledge among individuals with a history of breast disease in first-degree relatives (r=-0.586, P=0.001). Conclusion: Our findings revealed low levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BSE. Therefore, planning and implementing educational programs about BC and its screening methods are necessary.