Knowledge, Practice and Barriers to Breast Self-Examination Among Undergraduate Female Law Students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice and barriers to breast self-examination among undergraduate female Law students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A sample of 290 students was selected using stratified random sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were obtained and analyzed using frequency tables, percentages. The findings of the research work showed that all of the students had heard about BSE and majority have adequate knowledge of BSE. Furthermore, 91.7% of the respondents had correct knowledge of BSE as the assessment made on the breast by an individual to check for breast lumps. The practice of BSE among undergraduate student was good with 68.9% ever having performed BSE. The main barriers to BSE were lack of knowledge on how to do BSE (84.4%), forgetfulness (71.1%), belief of not having a breast problem (68.9%), and lack of awareness of its benefits (64.5%). Female undergraduate students in the Department of Law, Ambrose Alli University, have sufficient knowledge of BSE and showed positive attitude towards the practice of BSE. Female undergraduate students in the Department of Law, Ambrose Alli University, have sufficient knowledge of BSE. Despite the high percentage of those practicing BSE, adequate practice was not satisfactory. Public awareness on the importance of BSE should be intensified using mass media and the health service personnel should promote BSE during their contact with female clients.Keywords: Knowledge, Practice, Barriers, Breast self-examination, Undergraduate female students