Jurnal Widya Medika
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026): NOVEMBER

A DESCRIPTION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIOUR REGARDING BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN NAIKOLAN SUBDISTRICT, KUPANG CITY

Maria Magdalena Dwi Wahyuni (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)
Wiliam Jordan Takesan (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)
Aletha Anasthasya Litelnoni (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)
Santaliana Albania Pakaer (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)
Theresia Melania Wonga (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)
Arias Umbu Amas (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Kupang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Aug 2026

Abstract

Breast cancer is the top cause of illness and death among women globally. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a method for early detection that can be done independently; yet, its practice among teenage girls is still not ideal. This research seeks to outline the understanding, perceptions, and practices related to BSE among teenage girls in Naikolan Village, Maulafa Sub-district, Kupang City. The research utilized a quantitative descriptive approach through a quick survey method and a two-phase cluster random sampling strategy, with 210 female adolescent participants aged 15–24 years. Data were gathered through interviews utilizing a structured questionnaire entered through the Epi Collect 5 application. The results indicated that most respondents (76.19%) lacked adequate knowledge of BSE, especially concerning when to perform the examination and signs of breast irregularities. A total of 56.19% of participants showed negative sentiments, particularly concerning their faith in the long-term advantages of BSE. At the same time, 73.81% of participants showed behavior deemed as supportive of BSE. These results reveal a disparity between awareness and beliefs versus actions, highlighting the necessity for organized and ongoing health education initiatives to bolster the cognitive and emotional bases of adolescent girls in conducting self-examinations for early breast cancer detection.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JWM

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Jurnal Widya Medika is the official publication media of Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University, Faculty of Medicine. Jurnal Widya Medika publishes original research articles, case reports, and literature reviews from scientists of various medical education and research institutions, including ...