IMADE ONAIHO

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.