Effect of breast self-examination training program on knowledge, attitude and practice of a group of working women

Abstract EN

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common form of malignant diseases in women.

Meanwhile, early discovery of breast lumps through breast self examination (BSE) is important for the prevention and early detection of such disease.

Aim : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of breast self-examination training program on knowledge, attitude and practice of a group of working women.

Subjects and methods : The study was conducted in Medical and Nursing Faculties of Ain Shams University.

The sample included 122 of a group of working women.

They were selected randomly from different departments adopting the systematic approach.

Tools : Three instruments were used for data collection (pre- / post-program).

they were developed and filled by the researcher (1) Self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge level of the participants related to BC, BSE, information resources and barriers for practicing BSE.

(2) An attitude rating scale to determine the participants' attitude toward BC and practice of BSE.

(3) An observation checklist to assess the practices of the participants related to BSE.

Two consecutive BSE training sessions were carried out, in the form of lectures, group discussions, demonstration and redemonstration by using Breast Examination Facilitating Device (BEFD).

Two months later, the aforementioned tools were used for follow up.

Results : Only 10.6 % and 11.5 % of the total sample had satisfactory knowledge about BC and BSE, respectively on the their hand 13.1 % practiced one step out of five regularly where those who had negative attitude toward BC and BSE represented 39.3 %.

Regarding barriers for practicing BSE, the majority (91.8 %) mentioned lack of knowledge, while 50 % of responses were fear and worries to discover BC.

Also, no time and forgetfulness represented more than one third of the participants.

After the program implementation, a remarkable improvement in participants' level of knowledge, attitude and practice was observed.

The differences were statistically highly significant (p = < 0.01).

Conclusion : The developed training program of BSE showed a significant impact in the form of a remarkable increase in the participants' level of knowledge, acquisition of ultimate promotion of positive attitude and conspicuous improvement in the participants' professioncy of BSE practice.