Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors of Breast Cancer Self-Examination among Urban Health Extension Workers in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia

Background & aim: Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer types among women. In Ethiopia, the knowledge, attitude and practice among health extension workers (HEWs) towards breast cancer self-examination are not well understood. Therefore, this study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of breast cancer self-examination (BCSE) and associated factors among HEWs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2017 among female HEWs in Addis Ababa, using self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with KAP of the BCSE. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess statistical significance. Results: A total of 453(89.2%) HEWs participated in this study. Close to two-third (64.0%) of the respondents had adequate knowledge on breast cancer signs, symptoms, and practice of BCSE. However, only 146(40.0%) of the respondents practiced BCSE on a monthly basis. The majority (81.0%) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards BCSE. Work experience ranging from one to four years (AOR: 2.8; 95%CI: 1.2, 6.4)and ≥five years(AOR: 2.4; 95%CI: 1.1, 5.7), familiarity with people who had history of breast cancer (AOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1, 2.6),perceived susceptibility (AOR: 1.8; 95 %CI: 1.2, 3.0), and knowledge of BCSE(AOR: 2.3; 95 %CI: 1.4, 3.7) were significant predictors of BCSE. Conclusion: More than half of HEWs had adequate knowledge and attitude towards BCSE; however, only a few put them into practice. With regard to in-service training focusing on severity, consequences and detection methods of breast cancer may enhance the BCSE practices of the HEWs.