Survey Of Knowledge, Worry And Screening Behavior Towards Breast Cancer Among Female Students Of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2018

Background : Among the cancers, breast cancer is the most common type in women and often affects the ducts and glands. In addition to this kind of cancer, not only are social, environmental and personal factors effective, but diet, exercise, gender roles, income, education level Culture, attitudes and beliefs are associated with the incidence and prevalence of this cancer. By timely and prompt detection by screening methods, it is possible to increase the survival rate of the disease in the affected population. Among these methods, breast self-examination is one of the simplest, least expensive and most practical methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, concerns and behavior of female students in breast cancer screening. Materials & methods: This descriptive-analytical (cross-sectional) study was conducted on 247 female students of nursing and midwifery faculty of Ahvaz Jundishapur University in 2018. The instrument used in this study included a demographic checklist, Breast Cancer Worry Scale, Breast Cancer Knowledge Test Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square test) and SPSS-22 software. Results: A finding showed that half of the participants were Bakhtiari ethnic groups and 80% of those studying at the undergraduate level and about 18% reported a history of family history of cancer. Average score students' awareness about breast cancer was a little more than average total score (25.11 ±5/88). But the average score of concerns about breast cancer was less than the average total score (5.97±2.47). Only 30% of the subjects performed breast self-examination behaviors. There was no statistically significant relationship between students' self-examination knowledge and their self-examination with their grade, grade, and academic year. (P >0.05). Also, there was a relationship between breast self-examination and their health knowledge. Significant statistic was observed. (P <0.05). Discussion: Given the findings and the inadequate knowledge of breast cancer, it is necessary for relevant authorities to take measures that nursing and midwifery students who are themselves the most important pillars of the health and treatment system have more knowledge about this cancer, including methods Screening and self-examination

Health knowledge, worry, breast self-examination, female students, Ahvaz