Volume : 2, Issue : 9, September - 2013

A Study on the Prevalence of Certain Clinically Recognizable Benign Breast Problems among Women in the Reproductive Age Group (15– 49 Years) in a Rural Area

Dr. Christina Mary Priya Paul, Dr. Veena Paul V. S. , Dr. A. Meriton Stanly, Dr. P. A. Archanalakshmi, Dr. A. Ashrof Raja, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Konduru

Abstract :

Background In spite of the high prevalence of benign east problems encountered in clinical practice, there is scarcity of information on the population based prevalence of benign east problems in India. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of Mastalgia, Nodular east, Fioadenoma, Mastitis and Nipple discharge in the study population.Settings and Design The study was carried out in a rural population served by Thiruninravur Primary Health Center in Thiruvallur district.Materials and Methods400 women in the reproductive age group 15 – 49 years were subjected to clinical east examination (CBE) after the completion of the interview schedule and measurement of height and weight. Results The overall prevalence of all the five benign east problems included in the study was 59.5% with 95% CI of 54.7 – 64.3. The prevalence of Mastalgia, Nodular east, Fioadenoma, Mastitis and Nipple discharge were 38%, 47.5%, 8.5%, 4.5% and 0.8% respectively. ConclusionsThe study shows the high prevalence of benign east problems and the poor health seeking behavior of women with the same. Simple reassurance and health education can help reduce morbidity by reducing a lot of psychological stress.