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Impact of a Breast Cancer Educational Program on Female University Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

Journal of Cancer Education volume 34, pages 315–322 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is a worldwide fatal cancer among females. Efforts fighting against this disease should start with females at younger ages. This study evaluated the effectiveness a BC educational program in promoting female university students’ knowledge and attitudes towards BC and practices of breast self-examination (BSE). A pre- and post-test design was used in two phases; pre- and post-intervention phase. A 1-day educational program was conducted with theoretical and practical educational sessions. Participants were evaluated twice (before and 2 weeks after the intervention) for the following variables: knowledge regarding BC warning signs, BC risk factors and knowledge in regard to BSE, in addition to their attitudes and practices of BSE. A total of 110 participants were randomized into either intervention (n = 64, 58.2%) or control group (n = 46, 41.8%). Analysis revealed that participants in both groups had relatively low level of knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practice towards BC and BSE before attending the intervention. Analysis of the post test revealed that participants in the interventional group had significant improvement in knowledge, positive attitudes, and more practice of BSE compared to participants in the control group. The implementation of a BC awareness program had positive effects on the female university students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BC and BSE. Findings from this study strengthen and reinforce the importance of conducting such awareness programs for this young age group.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for Mutah University for funding this study. Also, thanks are extended to the participants for their time and contribution.

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Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Nursing, Mutah University, AlKarak, Jordan

    Arwa Alsaraireh

  2. School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

    Muhammad W. Darawad

Authors
  1. Arwa Alsaraireh
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  2. Muhammad W. Darawad
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Correspondence to Arwa Alsaraireh.

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All members critically reviewed the manuscript and have approved the final version submitted for publication.

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Alsaraireh, A., Darawad, M.W. Impact of a Breast Cancer Educational Program on Female University Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices. J Canc Educ 34, 315–322 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-017-1304-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-017-1304-6

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Breast self examination
  • Knowledge
  • Practice
  • Educational intervention
  • Jordan