Factors Influencing Breast Self-examination (BSE) Practice among Female Adolescents in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Objective: Considering the high prevalence and mortality associated with breast cancer among females, this study investigates the factors influencing BSE practice among female adolescents in the Hohoe Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted and multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized to collect data from 410 participants using the Kobo Collect software. The data were extracted and exported into STATA version 17 for cleaning and statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and the findings were presented in tables and graphs. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, with results reported at a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. Result: Only 32.8% of participants had ever heard of BSE, and 82.2% demonstrated poor BSE practice. After adjusting for confounders, two variables were significantly associated with BSE practice: residing in Hohoe (aOR=2.70, 95% CI: 1.16–6.26) and having prior knowledge of BSE (aOR=2.64, 95% CI: 1.52–4.56). Conclusion: BSE practice among female adolescents in the Hohoe Municipality is low, despite its significance in early breast cancer detection. Interventions targeting BSE education and rural health outreach are urgently needed to improve awareness and practice, especially among younger and rural populations.