KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CLINICAL-BREAST EXAMINATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN IN ARBAMINCHTOWN,SOUTHERNETHIOPIA2024

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