Abstract:
Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Ethiopia, portions the highest
national cancer burden, making early detection critical for improving treatment outcomes and
survival rates. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the knowledge and attitudes of
women at risk. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude towards clinical breast
examination (CBE) for breast cancer screening among women in Arba Minch town, Southern
Ethiopia.
Objective: To assess Knowledge and attitude towards clinical-breast examination and associated
factors among women in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, 2024
Method: A community-based study was conducted from May 15 to June 25, 2024, with a total
of 442 women selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured,
interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was computed and
presented using table, figures and charts. Bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression
analyses were performed to identify factors associated with Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
knowledge and attitude, with significance confirmed at p<0.05.
Results: Among 420 respondents (95.02% response rate), 32.4% had knowledge of CBE, while
61.9% had a positive attitude towards clinical breast examination. Factors significantly
associated with knowledge included marital status [AOR = 2.139, 95% CI: 1.139-3.27], age
[<20: AOR =1.47,95% CI:0.67-3.25, 21-30 AOR =2.38 95% CI:1.11-4.94, 31-39:AOR
=3.42,95% CI:1.58-7.43], knowledge of breast cancer screening [AOR = 2.761, 95% CI: 1.809
4.214], perception of CBE barriers [AOR = 1.607, 95% CI: 1.605-2.424], and perception of CBE
benefits [AOR = 1.995, 95% CI: 1.216-3.272]. And Factors significantly associated with attitude
include age [AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.08-4.14], Attitude towards BCS [AOR = 2.3495% CI: 1.51
3.62]
Conclusion: This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards Clinical Breast
Examination (CBE) among women in Arba Minch Town, Ethiopia. Although attitudes were
generally positive, significant knowledge gaps were observed. Marital status, age, and breast
cancer awareness were key factors affecting both knowledge and attitudes. The results
emphasize the importance of focused education and enhanced access to CBE to support early
breast cancer detection
