Background: Breast self examination has been promoted as a screening method for early detection of breast cancer. The promotion is mostly done in resource limited settings like Uganda where there is limited access to radiological imaging and other investigative modalities. Breast cancer incidence in Uganda is on the increase. There is need to strengthen efforts to ensure young women are aware of this screening method, hence better treatment outcomes and reduction of mortality. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with breast self examination for breast cancer detection among female students of International Health Sciences University Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross sectional study that utilized quantitative methods. The study was carried out between May 2014 and September 2014. A standardized pre-coded, semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio demographic characteristics, individual factors, socio cultural factors and knowledge regarding breast self examination. A 6-point “thoroughness score” was used in assessing the proficiency and knowledge of conducting breast self examination. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 Results: A total of 384 students were studied. The prevalence of breast self examination was found to be 49.5% (190/384). However only 23.2% (44/190) were found to be proficient in performing breast self examination. Only 28.1% (108/384) were able to correctly define breast self examination. The factors that were independently associated with breast self examination included age (O.R: 0.289 C.I: 0.102-0.818 P-value: 0.019), having ever had a breast exam from a health worker (O.R: 2.101 C.I: 1.228-3.595 P-value: 0.007), knowledge of breast self examination (O.R: 5.542C.I: 2.682-11.452 P-value: <0.001), knowledge of at least one screening method for breast cancer (O.R: 0.315 C.I: 0.102-0.977 P-value: 0.046) and receiving support from friends and family (O.R: 2.023 C.I: 1.085-3.772 P-value: 0.027). Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of breast self examination among young female university students is low with only a few students being proficient at doing breast self examination. Despite the level of knowledge about breast cancer being high, this does not translate to regular breast self examination by the young women. In the study, five factors were found to be associated with breast self examination practice.

show more