PERCEPTION ON BREAST SELF –EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE NURSING

STUDENTS

Researchers : Cristyl F. Obasa

Hiedralyn Gwen G. Tactaquin

School : Adventist Medical Center College

Degree : Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Adviser : Ma. Almira P. Nebres, RN, MAN, PhD

Date of Defense : April 5, 2019

Breast self –examination is an important and cost-free examination tool in detecting

breast cancer that is always available. This study aimed to investigate female nursing students’

perception on breast self-examination in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice when grouped

according to their profile.

This descriptive correlational study used a thirty five (35) item questionnaire as the main

gathering tool. The said questionnaire was distributed to 39 female nursing students who were

enrolled at Adventist Medical Center College (AMCC) academic year 2018-2019. Data results

were statistically analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical tools including the

Percentage-Frequency Distribution Method, the Weighted Mean Formula and the Chi-Square

Test.

The result showed that majority of the respondents belonged to the age bracket of 19-40

years (38, 97.4%), most were single (36, 92.3%) and Roman Catholic religion predominated (17,

43.6%) and there were more fourth year female nursing students (24, 61.5%).
 In addition, majority rated strongly agree with the average mean score of 3.31 for the

perception on BSE in terms of knowledge, majority rated slightly agree with an average mean

score of 2.46 in terms of attitude and majority rated frequent with the average mean score of 1.25

for practice. Thus, this depicted that the respondents has a positive perception on BSE in terms of

their knowledge, attitude and practice.

The results of the correlation between the independent and dependent variables pointed

out that their year level which has a p –value of 0.036 and their religion which has p –value of

0.039 were significantly associated with the respondents’ perception on breast self –examination

in terms of their knowledge, attitude and practice. Thus, this revealed that only their year level

and religion are significantly associated with their perceptions on breast self –examination in

terms of knowledge, attitude and practice.

Recommendations were provided for conscientious compliance of the schedule in

performing the correct procedure for breast self –examination not only for the respondents but

for all women as well. To all health care professionals, this study suggests that further education

and promotion of BSE is needed to prevent end stage detection of breast cancer.

One limitation to the present study is that only few respondents were surveyed and

information regarding the impact of perception on BSE in terms of knowledge, attitude and

practice were limited, hence, for future studies, a greater sample size is recommended and other

confounding factors should also be investigated.