Breast cancer screening practices and associated factors among women in Hawassa city, Ethiopia: A cross- sectional study

Breast cancer is becoming a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide, and it is the second-most common cancer among Ethiopian women. Despite the high prevalence of breast cancer in Hawassa, little research has been done on breast cancer screening (BCS) practices among women in Hawassa, South Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess BCS practices and associated factors among women aged 20–70 in Hawassa city, Sidama region, Ethiopia. This research was a community-based cross-sectional study carried out in Hawassa city, located in the Sidama region of Ethiopia. A total of 420 women aged 20-70 years, living in selected kebeles (clusters) of Hawassa city, were included in the study. The study was conducted in 10 randomly selected kebeles (clusters) of Hawassa city. Individual households were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires administered by interviewers. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between variables and control confounders. A total of 420 individuals were recruited into the study with a 98.6% response rate. Among these, 132 (31.4%; 95% CI: 27%, 35.8%) had used at least one BCS approach. Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography were performed by 107 (25.5%), 66 (15.7%), and 27 (6.4%) of the participants, according to the method-specific practice. Good knowledge about BCS [AOR = 5.45, 95% CI (2.67-11.1)], favorable perception toward BCS [AOR = 4.13, 95% CI (2.2-7)], oral contraceptive use [AOR = 3.46, 95% CI (1.55-7.7)], and family history of breast cancer [AOR = 4, 95% CI (1.98-8.13)] were significantly associated with BCS practice. The practice of screening for breast cancer was low among women in the region studied. Perception, knowledge, family history, and use of oral contraceptives were identified as important factors for BCS practice. Key words: Breast cancer, screening, practice, factor associated, Ethiopia.