A Cross Sectional Survey on Breast Self Examination Practice, Utilization of Breast Professional Examination, Mammography and Associated Factors in Romagna, Italy

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Abstract
In 1988, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Romagna region (Italy) to evaluate the association between knowledge of breast pathophysiology and preventive attitudes and screening tests practice for breast cancer. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of asymptomatic women aged 20–64 years living in the city of Faenza (Northern Italy). Of the 657 responders, 58 % reported that they practiced breast self-examination; 55% had had a professional breast examination, and only 9 % had had a mammogram as a screening test. Logistic regression analysis (including variables such as age, education, employment) was performed to explore the relationship between screening tests practice and factors associated with their use. Breast self-examination practice (n = 590) was associated with preventive attitudes (aOR = 1.67, 95°/o CI = 1.09–2.53) and with a positive history of breast disease (aOR = 3.48, 95 % CI = 1.72–7.04). Professional breast examination (n = 480) was related to preventive attitudes (aOR = 2.37, 95 % CI = 1.51–3.71), knowledge of breast pathophysiology (aOR = 2.07, 95 % CI = 1.31–3.28), and use of oral contraceptives (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.12–2.91). Mammography use (n = 540) was associated with preventive attitudes (aOR = 3.08, 95 % CI = 1.40–6.76). The results show an inadequate utilization of screening tests in our population. Breast self-examination is strongly related to a positive history of breast disease, and this could reflect the lack of health educational programs aimed at the general population.