FEMALE STUDENTS

This study titled "Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices of Breast Self-Examination among Female Students in the University of Benin Halls of Residence" aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and regular practice of BSE among young women in a Nigerian university setting, with the primary goal of identifying gaps that hinder early breast cancer detection and informing targeted health education interventions. The research is grounded in behavioral theories such as the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior to explore the cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural factors influencing BSE practices among this population. It employs a cross-sectional survey design utilizing structured questionnaires administered to female students residing in the university halls of residence, with data analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods to determine awareness levels, attitudes, and practice patterns. The findings reveal that while a significant proportion of the students have heard of BSE, actual practice remains low, with only a minority performing it regularly and correctly. Common barriers identified include lack of adequate knowledge, cultural taboos related to modesty, fear of discovering abnormalities, and insufficient privacy, all of which contribute to poor engagement in BSE. Based on these results, the study recommends implementing culturally sensitive health education programs within university settings to improve awareness and correct misconceptions about BSE, emphasizing the importance of regular practice for early detection of breast abnormalities. It also suggests the need for policy-level interventions to create private and supportive environments that facilitate proper BSE practices among young women to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with breast cancer.

The study focused on the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards menstrual hygiene among female students in University of Benin. Four(4) research questions guided this study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted to carry out this study. The population of the study comprises of female undergraduate students in the eight (8) departments of the Faculty of Education in the University of Benin with the total 4,398. A sample size of 100 female students were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used was a structured questionnaire used to obtain data from the sample population. The instrument was validated by the supervisor and two other lecturers in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The split-half method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. A total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to the sample population and data collected was analyzed using simple percentages and frequency counts. Findings from the study revealed that female students in the University of Benin have high level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards menstrual hygiene and actively practice proper hygiene habits. Most students track their menstrual cycles regularly and use sanitary pads and tampons as their preferred menstrual products. While menstrual
hygiene is recognized as an essential aspect of women's health, opinions vary on how openly it should be discussed. The study highlights the need for increased access to affordable menstrual products, improved menstrual hygiene education for both genders, and better disposal facilities. Based on these findings, recommendations include providing free or subsidized menstrual products by the University and relevant stakeholders particularly for students from low-income backgrounds, integrating
menstrual hygiene education into health programs for both male and female students, installing more sanitary disposal bins, promoting open discussions through awareness campaigns, and implementing proper disposal measures such as awareness programs or fines in order to maintain hygiene on campus