Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breast Self-Examination in Nigeria: A 10 Year Systematic Review

Background: Among the screening methods for the early detection of breast abnormalities that could lead to breast cancer, Breast self-examination is the basic, simplest, cost effective, self-administered and very important technique. It allows women to get acquainted with the nature of their breasts and therefore allows them to discover any deviation. Early detection goes a long way in successful treatment of BC and this is easily come by with good and adequate knowledge, good attitude towards and excellent skill to administer BSE. Consequently, we drew out the data on BSE knowledge, attitudes and practice among Nigeria women. Methods: A systematic review was done among studies conducted in Nigeria using Arskey and O’Malleys’ framework as a guide. The databases searched include PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, Jstor, Intech Open, Proquest and PubMed Central for relevant studies on women’s knowledge, attitude and practice on BSE. Studies included in the review were from thirteen states in Nigeria. The articles reviewed in this systematic review were journals published between August 2012 to July 2022, a 10-year systematic review. Results: Sixty-three (63) articles were firstly extracted to be eligible for review; thirty-seven (37) were excluded due to duplication of content, lack of focus on the concept and incomplete content. Another nine (9) were discarded for muddling up result with another concept and for not involving at least two of the variables, i.e., knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination. The seventeen (17) articles were conducted in thirteen states of which two (2) were conducted in Osun State as well as Sokoto State and three in Oyo State while one (1) each in other ten states, namely Benin, Kano, Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Abia, Ondo, Awka, and Lagos States. Twelve (12) studies reported evidence on BSE knowledge, attitude and practice; three (3) on knowledge and practice; and two (2) reported on attitude and practice of BSE. The findings of this study submit varying knowledge levels on BSE though—averagely good knowledge but poor practice among women in Nigeria. Conclusion/Recommendation: The findings from these studies show that the knowledge of BSE among women folk in Nigeria is averagely low though women’s attitude seems good. Similarly, the practice of BSE among women in Nigeria is poor. Therefore, proactive measures need to be taken to increase the level of knowledge of BSE through educational programs among every category of women to reduce morbidity and mortality from breast cancer in Nigeria in the nearest future.