title: Knowledge, attitudes and practice of breast cancer screening among female personnel of Walailak University.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of breast cancer screening for early detection of breast cancer among female personnel at a university. A cross-sectional descriptive study was administered to female personnel of Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Data were analysed by SPSS version 16.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among total of 217 female personnel, the lecturers and laboratory scientists and general officers had a significantly higher mean knowledge score about the practice of breast cancer screening than temporary employees (P < 0.0001). The level of education and income of respondents may be involved with this difference in knowledge (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study concludes that knowledge about the practice of breast cancer screening could be attributed to different career groups, level of education and income of respondents. There is a very urgent need for regular learning courses for personnel concerning knowledge about the practice of breast cancer screening especially for those personnel with less formal education and low income.
authors.affiliation: Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
authors.forename: Manas
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kotepui
authors.affiliation: Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences and Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
authors.forename: Duangjai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Piwkham
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chaowanee
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chupeerach
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
authors.forename: Suwit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Duangmano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D013785:Thailand; D014495:Universities
keywords: Walailak University; attitudes; breast cancer screening; knowledge; practice