title: Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Practices Among Female University Students in Kampala, Uganda: A Descriptive Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to assess female university students' knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, and identify breast self-examination (BSE) practices. Using this information we aimed to design an education intervention tailored to address any knowledge and practice gaps identified. .
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study with 204 female Makerere University students. Data was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire over a period of two months (1 April 2013 to 30 May 2013). .
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our study revealed a high awareness of breast cancer (98.0%) and BSE practices (76.5%) among female students. Over half the students (61.3%) had an intermediate level of knowledge about risk factors related to breast cancer and the signs and symptoms of the disease. Skills related to BSE practices were found to be low (43.6%). The majority (56.9%) of students received information about breast cancer via mass media. .
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pre- post-education intervention studies need to be conducted to evaluate the intervention outcomes related to breast cancer knowledge and BSE practices among female students in Uganda.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
authors.forename: Katende
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Godfrey
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Tukamuhebwa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Agatha
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nankumbi
keywords: Breast Neoplasms; Breast Self-Examination; Students; Uganda