Abstract
BackgroundBreast cancer among women is a relatively common with a more favorable expected survival rates than other forms of cancers. This study aimed to determine the improved quality of life for post-mastectomy women through peer education.MethodsUsing pre and post test follow up and control design approach, 99 women with stage I and II of breast cancer diagnosis were followed one year after modified radical mastectomy. To measure the quality of life an instrument designed by the European organization for research and treatment of cancer, known as the Quality of Life Question (QLQ-30) and it's breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23) at three points in time (before, immediately and two months after intervention) for both groups were used. The participant selection was a convenient sampling method and women were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was randomly assigned to five groups and peer educators conducted weekly educational programs for one month. Tabulated data were analyzed using chi square, t test, and repeated measurement multivariate to compare the quality of life differences over time.ResultsFor the experimental group, the results showed statistically significant improvement in all performance aspects of life quality and symptom reduction (P < 0.001), while the control group had no significant differences in all aspects of life quality.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that peer led education is a useful intervention for post-mastectomy women to improves their quality of life.
Highlights
Breast cancer among women is a relatively common with a more favorable expected survival rates than other forms of cancers
The results revealed that the experimental and control groups were similar with respect to age, marital status and educational level of the patients
In comparing the mean score of the functional scale from pre to post and follow up intervention in groups as measured by EORTC QLQ-BR23, the results indicated an increase in all the aspects such as body image, sexual function, sexual satisfaction and future perspective in the experimental group (P < 0.001) and a decrease in all those aspects of life quality in the control group (Table 4)
Summary
Breast cancer among women is a relatively common with a more favorable expected survival rates than other forms of cancers. When women who have breast cancer are in touch with each other, they have empathy towards each other and they would widely discuss their experiences and difficulties creating a supportive environment for transfer of knowledge and awareness [14] It has been reported in an observational study on the effect of peer counseling on the quality of life following diagnosis of breast cancer that women expressed the greatest need for counseling and they wanted to speak with someone who had the same disease and had gone through the crisis of treatment and is leading a normal life [15]. Considering an increase in the number of breast cancer patients and limitation in the physicians time to educate them, this study highlights the importance of peer-lead education on the life quality after mastectomy for women who experienced breast cancer and recruited from breast cancer clinics in Shiraz, southern Iran
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