Background:
Breast cancer in women is a major health burden both in developed and developing countries. It is the second leading cause of death in women worldwide as well as in Egypt.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of peer education on the Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Mansoura University Female Students.
Methods:
This study was conducted during December 2009 and May 2010 in Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt. Two categories of subjects were included in the study; A- 10 nursing students enrolled in the fourth year Bachelor of Nursing as trainees). B- 150 female university students. Two tools were used: 1-Knowledge of breast cancer and BSE form 2- Breast Self Examination Performance Checklist.
Results:
There was an improvement in total knowledge post education I (t= 43.020, p= 0.000). And the improvement (p= 0.000) was maintained post education II (t= 38.566). There was an improvement in practice score post education I (t= 58.083, p= 0.000), as well as post education II (t= 10.415, p= 0.000). BSE performance increased significantly following education (p= 0.000) from 8.0% to 52.7 %.
Conclusions:
There was inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and BSE among Mansoura university female students before peer education approaches. There was significant improvements in students' knowledge about breast cancer and BSE in post education I and improvement in post education I. Practicing BSE was lacking before peer education, it improved significantly after peer education. Data from this study re-enforce the continuing need for more BC education programs that are intended to attract the attention of young women. More education-based programming targeting female university students should be a primary consideration among health education/health promotion practitioners.
Keywords:peer education - breast cancer - breast self examination