Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and performance of Female nurses employed in Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences hospitals about breast cancer

Introduction & Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and breast self-examination due to simplicity, affordable and efficiency is an important factor in increasing the survival of women with breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and performance on breast self-examination among the female nursing of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted on 300 female nursing staffs working in Golestan, Imam Khomeini, Abuzar and Taleghani hospitals in Ahvaz, 2014. Participants were selected using random cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made 4-part questionnaire containing demographic information form and knowledge, performance and attitude scales.Results: The mean age of the samples was 31.45±3.04. The mean knowledge level of nursing staff about breast self-examination was 2.36±1.87, which had a low level of awareness (55.66%). The mean of attitude level was 27.5±6.02, with 71% positive attitude. In performance, however, only 13.07% of the participants performed BSE. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the attitude and Previous training about BSE (r=0.248, p=0.013).Conclusion: With paying attention to this fact that personnel working in health services can improve society behaviors, the implementation of the regular educational and codified plans in relation with prevention of breast cancer specially breast self exam, clinical breast exam and mammography seems necessary for this group.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breast Cancer ، Breast Self-Examination ، Knowledge ، Performance ، Attitude