| dc.description.abstract | Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, low-cost, and non-invasive method that women use to detect breast cancer at its early stages. BSE is recommended for women because it helps detect unusual swelling and lumps, hence seeking intervention at the early stages of cancer growth. Early intervention reduces the spread of cancer cells and improves health outcomes. However, several studies have shown that BSE is most effective when combined with mammography and clinical breast examination to detect breast cancer, particularly in regions with limited resources. There is paucity of data on the knowledge and Practice of BSE in Kisumu County. This study assessed the determinants of knowledge and practices of BSE for early detection of breast cancer among women attending the maternal health clinic at Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Kisumu County. This was a cross-sectional study that targeted women of reproductive age seeking maternal health services at the facility. The study sample size was computed using Fishers et al 1998 based on an estimated prevalence of 41%, alpha of 95%, precision of 5%, and adjusted at an attrition rate of 5%. Purposive sampling was used to select the study participants and the five nurses working at the facility. Structured questionnaires was used to collect data from the women, while key informant interviews was used to collect data from the five nurses working at the maternal clinics in the facility. Data from the participants was cleaned and analyzed using R version 4, and qualitative data was transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Data was presented using tables and figures. Participant characteristics were presented in tabular and graphical form. Categorical variables were presented by the use of frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were presented by the use of median and interquartile ranges. Knowledge and Practice of breast self-examination was coded in a binary form as the outcome. The study variables that had a p < 0.1 in the bivariate model were fit in the final multiple logistic regression model. Prevalence of knowledge and Practice of breast self-examination was presented using proportions. Participants who took part in the study were 398 women, with more than a third aged between 25-30 years old. Majority of the participants, 96% (383/398)) had heard of breast cancer, 96% (368/383) reported knowledge of BSE, and 42% (162/383) reported ever practicing BSE. The study found that 39% (151/383) of the participants had the correct knowledge and Practice of BSE. An increase in education level was significantly associated with correct knowledge and Practice of BSE. Single participants (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI [0.36 – 0.99]), participants who heard about BSE from media (aOR = 0.51, 95%CI [0.27-0.97]) and friends (aOR =0.25, 95%CI [0.09-0.69]) were less likely to report correct knowledge and practice of BSE. With lower rates of knowledge and Practice of BSE, there needs to be a concerted effort to raise the knowledge and Practice of BSE by the national and county governments, stakeholders, and health practitioners. Breast self-Examination can hence be combined with existing Clinical Breast Examination and mammography to enhance early detection rates of breast cancer, leading to better treatment outcomes. | en_US |