KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON BREAST CANCER AMONG STUDENTS OF IIUM

Abstract

Backgrounds: Breast cancer is among the most common cancers which lead to death among Malaysian. Despite the development of advanced screening tools for breast cancer in clinical settings, one should be able to understand and practice the knowledge gained. This study aims to emphasize on the importance of knowing the BC among IIUM Kuantan Campus students;  the future health professionals.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Campus from July to August 2020 by snowball sampling method. A validated self-administered questionnaire via Google Form was distributed through Whatsapp groups. Data was analysed using Chi-square test, independent T test and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 357 students participated in this study. Among them 58.0% had good knowledge of breast self-examination, 49.% of clinical breast examination and 19.8% of mammography. Only 58.3% female students practice breast self-examination. Overall, most of the students had fair KAP of BC screening with 59.3%. The statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant (P<0.05) relationship between overall KAP of BC screening with gender and Kulliyyah of study.

Conclusion: The KAP of BC was fair among undergraduate students of IIUM Kuantan. The efficacy and reliability of informers to convey the information may influence a better environment and understanding towards BC as well as  help to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate from BC .