Adolescent Girls’ Breast Self‐Examination Practices in Eastern Region of Ghana

TL;DR

This study explores how adolescent girls in Ghana's Eastern Region perform breast self-examinations and identifies factors influencing their practices.

Contribution

The study provides insights into BSE knowledge and practices among adolescent girls in Ghana, highlighting predictors for better early detection strategies.

Findings

Participants showed moderate to high knowledge of BSE, particularly in palpation techniques.

Only 25.2% of girls adhered to monthly BSE timing guidelines.

Age, education, and personal connections to breast cancer were significant predictors of BSE practice.

Abstract

Breast cancer incidence is rising globally, including in Ghana, making early detection vital. Breast self‐examination (BSE) is key to reducing morbidity and mortality. This study assessed BSE practices among adolescent girls in Ghana’s Eastern Region to inform prevention efforts.

A cross‐sectional design was adopted, and the simple random sampling strategy was used to recruit 385 female students from Aburi Girls’ Senior High School. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, BSE knowledge, and practices and were analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while Pearson’s correlation assessed the association between knowledge and practice. Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictive effects of demographic variables on BSE practice.

Participants demonstrated moderate to high knowledge of BSE with mean scores ranging from 1.00 to 1.92, with strongest awareness of palpation techniques (mean = 1.92, SD = 0.272) but lower understanding of positional and visual inspection methods. Most respondents (67.3%) knew how to perform BSE, yet only 25.2% adhered to monthly timing guidelines. Hands (75%) and mirrors (25%) were commonly used, with 41.3% performing both palpation and observation. Knowledge and practice were positively correlated (r = 0.149, p = 0.003). Logistic regression identified age, educational level, knowing someone with breast cancer, and workshop attendance as significant predictors of BSE practice (p < 0.001).

Educating adolescent girls on breast cancer and proper BSE practices is essential. Targeted interventions can strengthen knowledge and skills among young Ghanaian women, supporting early detection and broader prevention efforts.

Figures