Abstract 563P
Background
Breast cancer in young women is a significant health issue and is associated with late diagnosis, aggressive biological characteristics, and poor prognosis. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) can improve prognosis. Factors such as education level, knowledge about breast cancer, breast complaints, and family history can influence BSE practices. This study aims to identify the relationship between education level, knowledge about breast cancer, breast complaints, and family history with BSE practices among female students in Surakarta.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved junior and senior high school students in Surakarta from February to June 2024. Data were collected through a conventional questionnaire on education level, knowledge about BSE, frequency of BSE, breast complaints, and family history of breast cancer. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were conducted using SPSS version 26.
Results
A total of 1801 respondents, with a majority being high school students (56.5%), completed the survey. Bivariate regression analysis showed that understanding BSE (aOR 29.72; 95% CI 9.41–93.88; P = 0.000), frequency of BSE (aOR 153.75; 95% CI 87.49–270.18; P = 0.000), and hormone medication use (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.09–0.96; P = 0.033) significantly influenced routine BSE. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only understanding BSE (aOR 11.157; 95% CI 3.37–36.98; P < 0.000) and frequency of BSE (aOR 98.013; 95% CI 55.12–174.25; P < 0.000) showed significant influence.
Conclusions
Understanding and frequency of BSE are crucial factors influencing routine BSE. Interventions that enhance awareness and understanding of the importance of BSE and encourage higher frequency of BSE can improve routine BSE practices among women.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.