Impacts of Educational Interventions on the Enhancement of Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Young Females

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies after cervical cancer. Prevention and prognosis depend on earlier detection. Breast self-examination may be a good technique, where facilities are inadequate for mammography and clinical breast examination. Objective: To assess the knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination, and to determine the impact of educational intervention among young females. Method: A quasi-experimental study method was utilized to conduct this study. A total of 30 participants were selected through a nonprobability convenient sampling technique. An adopted questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, demographic characteristics and knowledge-related items (21 Items). An additional checklist (13 Items) was prepared to assess knowledge. Maximum points were 86, 01 points each for the item related to the knowledge section of the questionnaire, and 5 points for each of checklist checklist-related items (Total = 65). Those who obtained ≤43 points had poor knowledge, and those who obtained > 43 points were regarded to have good knowledge. Data were collected before the educational session (presentation, video, demonstration), and after the intervention. Wilcoxon test was used to compare pre and post-intervention data. Result: A total of 30 females participated in the study. In the pretest, 21 participants had poor knowledge and 9 had good knowledge. In the post-test, 4 had poor knowledge while 26 had good knowledge. The results were statistically significant (p˂0.01) using the Wilcoxon test. Conclusion: The findings of the current study reveal that the young female population possesses poor knowledge about breast cancer and breast self-examination. However, educational interventions can be used to enhance knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination.