Aim:

The objective of this study was to analyze the predictors of breast self-examination practices of nursing students at the Catholic SedesSapientiae University, Lima, Peru, 2019.

Methods:

It was an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. The target population were 92 university students of both sexes. In order to analyze this, the researchers passed an evaluation guide to measure the breast self-examination technique, a self-directed questionnaire to assess this technique’s knowledge, and a data sheet for the variable performance of breast self-examination, among other sociodemographic and academic training variables.

Results:

Part of the main results show that 65.22% of the students did not perform breast self-examinations, and the average of the technique was low with a range of 0 to 12 points (M=4.41). The results also evidenced that the predictors of the performance of the breast self-examination were the high level of knowledge of this technique (PR: 8.73; p=0.022), the age (PR: 1.04; p=0.021), and the training (PR: 2.42; p=0.005). The predictors of the technique were the knowledge about it (coefficient: 1.70; p=0.023) and the age (coefficient: 1.70; p=0.023).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the majority of students did not carry out the practices on breast self-examination; likewise, the predictors of these practices are the knowledge about this technique, the age, and the training. Given these findings, educational, promotional, and preventive interventions should be provided to the students.