title: Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination among a sample of the educated population in Iraq.
abstract: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice towards breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) among 387 (302 females and 85 males) educated Iraqis affiliated to 2 Iraqi universities. The participants were categorized into 3 occupations: student (71.3%), teaching staff (10.3%) and administrative staff (18.3%). About half of the participants had a low knowledge score (< 50%); only 14.3% were graded as "Good" and above. Almost 75% of the participants believed that the best way to control breast cancer was through early detection and other possible preventive measures. Most participants (90.9%) had heard of BSE, the main source of information being television. However, only 48.3% practised BSE; the most common reason for not doing so was lack of knowledge of how to perform the technique correctly. Almost 84% of the female participants were willing to instruct others in the technique of BSE.
authors: Breast Cancer Research Unit, Baghdad Medical College, Baghdad, Iraq. nadalwan@yahoo.com
authors: N A S
authors: NA
authors: Alwan
authors: W M
authors: WM
authors: Al-Attar
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Eliessa
authors: Z A
authors: ZA
authors: Madfaie
authors: F N
authors: FN
authors: Tawfeeq
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires