Factors associated with breast self-examination practice among female medical students in selected universities in Borama, Somaliland - Report - MDSpire

Factors associated with breast self-examination practice among female medical students in selected universities in Borama, Somaliland

  • By

  • Nafisa Abdihamid Mohamed

  • Khadar Mowlid Abdi

  • Vitalis Okoth Odero

  • Hodo Abdikarim

  • July 17, 2026

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Determinants Influencing Breast Self-Examination Habits Among Female Medical Students

Overview

This study evaluates the prevalence and predictors of breast self-examination (BSE) practices among female medical students in Borama, Somaliland. The study found that 77.7% of participants had knowledge of BSE, and 80.2% exhibited positive attitudes towards it, while only 46.5% had ever performed BSE.

Background

Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in resource-limited settings. Early detection through methods like breast self-examination (BSE) is crucial for improving survival rates.

Data Highlights

MeasurePercentage
Knowledge of BSE77.7%
Positive Attitudes towards BSE80.2%
Ever Performed BSE46.5%
Monthly BSE Practice51.1%

Key Findings

  • 77.7% of participants had knowledge of BSE.
  • 80.2% exhibited positive attitudes towards BSE.
  • Only 46.5% had ever performed BSE.
  • 51.1% of those who performed BSE did so monthly as recommended.
  • Attitude was identified as the strongest predictor of BSE practice (OR = 3.251).
  • Older age was also a significant predictor of BSE engagement (OR = 5.012).

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the factors influencing BSE practices among medical students.

Conclusion

The study reveals a gap between knowledge and practice of BSE among female medical students.

Related Resources & Content

  1. World Health Organization, WHO, 2024 -- Breast cancer
  2. United States Preventive Services Taskforce, USPSTF, 2024 -- Recommendation: Breast Cancer: Screening
  3. Randomized trial of breast self-examination in Shanghai: final results, PubMed, 2002
  4. Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society — Rural-urban differences and association of sexual autonomy with uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening services among women of reproductive age in Ghana
  5. Frontiers in Oncology — Assessment of Behaviors, Attitudes, and Awareness Regarding Skin Cancer Among Polish Medical and Non-medical Students: Comparative Analysis
  6. Global Survey Assessing Medical Students' Engagement with Essential Surgical Practices (GAMES): A Cross-Sectional Analysis
  7. Obstacles Faced by Women in Pursuing Surgical Careers: A Global Analysis of Medical Students' Views
  8. Breast cancer
  9. Recommendation: Breast Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
  10. Randomized trial of breast self-examination in Shanghai: final results - PubMed

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