Résumé
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early detection and prompt treatment offers the greatest chance of survival. We described the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination among female students of a tertiary institution in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria. Methods: A set of semi structured self administered questionnaire was used to seek information on respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination. A total of 80 female students were selected using stratified sampling technique, with a response rate of 100%. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: The mean age of respondents was 21 years ±SD1.83, with 48.8% of them being Hausa. They are predominantly Muslims and 85% are single. About 19% of the respondents have family history of breast cancer. Up to 96% of them have heard about breast cancer and 86.3% were aware of BSE, however, only 46% of them had adequate knowledge of BSE. Majority (96%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards BSE as 92.5% of them think BSE is necessary and a further 97.5% would like to know more about it. This study showed poor level of BSE practice with only 17.5% showing good practice out of the 45% of respondents that have ever practiced BSE. Conclusion: Most of the respondents have heard about BSE but only 46.3% had adequate knowledge. Majority of respondents demonstrated a positive attitude towards BSE; however, the practice was low.
Résumé
Background/Objectives: Menarche; the first menstrual period; is influenced by many factors including socio-economic status and rural or urban dwelling. The aims of the study were to compare the age at menarche between rural and urban girls and evaluate the anthropometric indices at menarche. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of rural secondary school girls and urban school girls. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on their age at menarche and other relevant data. Their weights and heights were measured using computerized scales and calibrated walls. Results: Two hundred and twenty eight (228) rural girls and four hundred and eighty (480) urban girls that had attained menarche within a year were studied. Mean age at menarche for all the girls was 15.26 years. Mean menarcheal age for the rural and urban girls were 15.32 years and 15.20 years; respectively. Mean weight and height were 47.6 kg and 156.76 cm; respectively for the rural girls and 48.12 kg and 156.8 cm; respectively for the urban girls. There was no significance difference in age of menarche among the groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: The mean age at menarche for the school girls is 15.26 years. There was no difference in menarcheal age between the rural and urban school girls. Further longitudinal studies to compare rural school girls and urban school girls in private schools are required