Perceived self-efficacy, knowledge, and breast self-examination practice among Assumption University female students

Abstract

The population of this study consisted of 9,684 Assumption University students. The sample size was calculated by using Yamane’s Formula, and 100 students were randomized to be the sample. The instrument was divided into 4 parts: personal data, knowledge, perceived self efficacy, and breast self-examination behavior. Content validity was examined by experts and reliability was obtained by mean of Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. The reliability of the perceived self-efficacy questionnaire was 0.987. Descriptive data analysis was used. The results revealed that knowledge and perceived self-efficacy were in the moderate level (mean 6 from 10, and 51 from 100). 51% of students performed (breast self- examination ( BSE), but almost of them performed once a year. It had no correlation between knowledge and BSE practice (r=0.00, P=0.998). The relationship between perceived self-efficacy and BSE practice was marginally significant (P=0.01). The findings showed that most of the samples did not have enough knowledge about BSE, had low self-efficacy, and inadequate practice. Those who had low self-efficacy should examine their breast occasionally. Therefore, the enhancing self-efficacy perception among female students should be a concern of health promoting faculty program.