AWARENESS RATIO OF SELF-BREAST EXAMINATION IN NURSING PRACTICE AT PUBLIC SECTOR IN DISTRICT JHANG, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the type of cancer most commonly spread throughout the world specially among women. If we talk about Developing countries, it's rate is increasing day by day. Keeping in view this increased rate, it is of vital importance that the people are fully aware of its hazards. Knowledge of the precautionary measures that should be implemented before its growth is also of equal importance. Literature says that for early identification of Breast Cancer Self-breast examination is one of the most effective methods. As Nurses are the most important figure in spreading health related information among women therefore we chose a sample group of nurses working in Govt. City Hospital Jhang to assess their knowledge about Self Breast Examination. Method: A sample group of 36 nurses was designed for subject purpose. A questionnaire was formulated based on the Literature review to be filled by the Participants. Each Session included Interviews with the participants. Quantitative analysis was done to analyze the obtained data. Knowledge about the self-breast examination was categorized into two categorize i.e. less familiar and more familiar. Results: Out of 94.4 % response rate, 32% of nurses fell into more familiar category while 68 % into less familiar category. Out of less familiar category 22 % of the nurses said that they heard about the SBE rd thus depicting very poor knowledge in this regard. Conclusion: Only 1/3 of the nurses had proper awareness about Self Breast examination. With this small ratio it is the need of hour to educate nurses in this regard.