Practice of breast self-examination and associated knowledge and attitudes among female students in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

Early identification is essential to improving the prognosis and outcomes for breast cancer patients. This study focused on evaluating the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among female students at the Raparin Technical and Vocational Institute in Sulaymaniyah city, while also assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers to guide curriculum integration and specific educational interventions.

Methodology

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out between February 2025 and June 2025 among 226 students at the Raparin Technical & Vocational Institute in Rania City, Sulaymaneyah Province, northern Iraq. Data were collected using Google Forms, and SPSS Statistics Software 27 was used to evaluate it.

Results

Students’ mean age was 21.8 years (95% CI: 21.37–22.03). Parents’ educational level varied significantly, with mothers being illiterate in 48.7% of cases. Overall, 57.1% of students demonstrated good knowledge regarding BSE, while 42.9% had poor knowledge. The mean attitude score was 26.25 (SD = 3.91), indicating a generally positive attitude among participants. However, only 40.3% of students reported practicing BSE, whereas 59.7% had never practiced it.

Conclusion

Majority of the students had average knowledge, a positive attitude and bad practice in breast self-examination. To address the issue, educational programs that explicitly target breast self-examination behavior are required. More studies are encouraged to address this issue in other amenities and geographical locations throughout the region.