A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching on Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women of Reproductive Age for the Early Detection of Breast Abnormalities

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with about 2 million new cases and around 600,000 deaths reported in 2021. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive method that enables women to detect breast abnormalities at an early stage. Improving women’s knowledge and practice of BSE can contribute to the early detection of breast diseases and improve health outcomes.

Objectives: (1) To assess the knowledge and practice regarding BSE among women of reproductive age for the early detection of breast abnormalities.

(2) To evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching program on knowledge and practice regarding BSE among women of reproductive age.

Materials and Methods: One-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted. The structured teaching program was administered on BSE. The group was assessed with the questionnaire and checklist before and after. The sample size was 30 class IV female workers working in Trust Hospital. The duration of the study was 4 months.

Results: The calculated t-value for overall knowledge was 12.75, which was greater than the table value of 2.045 at the 0.05 level of significance (df = 29). The findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the participants’ knowledge and practice following the planned teaching program.

Conclusion: The study concluded that women of reproductive age had inadequate knowledge and practice regarding BSE before the intervention. The planned teaching program was effective in significantly improving their knowledge and practice, highlighting the importance of health education in promoting early detection of breast abnormalities.