THE EFFECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is a global health concern and second primary cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide as well as in Malaysia. Health Global Initiative advocates breast self-examination (BSE) as a measure for early detection of breast abnormality. However, poor practices are noted in developing countries. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational teaching program on knowledge and practice of BSE among female college students in one private college in Malaysia.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 40 female college students from March 2014 to April 2014 in one selected private college in Malaysia. Participants were randomized to intervention group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Data was collected using adapted structured questionnaire and approved checklist. The control group (n=20) was provided with BSE knowledge and hand out. The intervention group (n=20) was given BSE knowledge, video clips, skill demonstration and practice, including hand out and pamphlet. A paired t-test was used to compare the level of knowledge and practice between pre and post education intervention. The differences in BSE knowledge and practice score between control and the interventional group was tested with an independent t-test.

Results: Mean age of participants was 20.43±1.50. One month after the educational training course, the experimental group members showed a statistically significant increase in BSE on practice (p<0.001). Paired simple t-test showed that before and after the educational session no statistically significant difference in knowledge score was found between the two groups.

Conclusion: The educational intervention on knowledge and BSE of college students has resulted in an increment of the practice of BSE. Implementation of structured BSE intervention program for all younger women and risk groups as a secondary prevention of breast cancer is important.

Keywords: Breast Self-Examination, College Students, Knowledge, Awareness, Practice