Effect of Health Educational Program Regarding Breast Self-Examination on Knowledge and Practices among Women

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer has become one of the common causes of death among women and it is incidence has become in increasing. It is frightening for all women as it affects all ages so that promoting awareness about breast cancer causes and the educational program can be help in reduction the morbidity and mortality among women. The study aimed to assess and evaluate the effect of health educational program regarding breast self-examination on knowledge, and practices among women. Design: A pre/ post quasi experimental research design was utilized. Sample: included 300 women who referred to antenatal outpatient clinic at maternal health hospital at Assiut University hospitals in Egypt, their age ranged from 18-30 years. Tools: A structure interview questionnaire and Breast self examination (BSE) checklist. Results: A highly statistically significant difference was found between women's knowledge pre and post- program implementation regarding to breast cancer. As regards sources of information about breast cancer, the main source was mass media, there was improvement regarding BSE checklist pre/immediate post program implementation, a highly statistically significant and positive correlation was observed between total knowledge scores of women and their practice at post and after one month program implementation. Conclusion: Applying the planned manual for BSE to women was effective and showed progress in their knowledge and practice of women after receiving the educational program. Recommendations: Women should be provided with health information related to BSE and well-informed continuous; health education programme should be imparted to women.