The Impact on Supportive Education on the Effectiveness of Breast Self-examination among College Women and Correlate to Self-Efficacy

Lee, Mi Wha; Choi, In Hee

Abstract

Currently, breast cancer ranks third among women's cancers, and as its incidence is increasing, the incidence age is also becoming lower. Therefore it is necessary to address breast cancer for women in their twenties. As there is no way presently to prevent breast cancer, it is imperative that women take available interventions against predisposing factors. It is thus advisable that women acquire the necessary skills to recognize their own health status. The purposes of this study were to identify the effects of education on breast self-examination (BSE) through supportive education among college women during the period from August 2000 to February 2001, and to attempt to design an effective BSE educational program. The first class was implemented through lectures, pamphlets, videotapes, breast palpation on cloths, demonstration and practice for identification of breast masses through palpation using breast model. Supportive education was implemented bimonthly to the experimental group, and effects of the education between experimental and control groups were compared 6 months later. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1. The effects on supportive education of college women in BSE 1) The mean score of retained knowledge about breast cancer and BSE was 30.88 in the experimental group, and 29.66 in the control group and significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -2.062, p= 0.041). 2) Frequency of BSE practice was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group(X2=0.045, p=0,012). 3) The mean accuracy score in BSE practice was 19.10 in the experimental group, and 18.29 in the control group; accuracy was higher in the experimental group than in the control(t= -2.035, p= 0.444). 4) The mean score of self-efficacy was 35.05 in the experimental group, and 31.22 in the control group. The experimental group mean score was higher(t=-3.016, p=0.003). 2. There was a statistically significant correlation between self-efficacy and accuracy of BSE(r= 0.447, p=0.000), knowledge of breast cancer and BSE(r= 0.306, p=0.000) and frequency of BSE(r=0,259, p=0,002) but no significant correlation between knowledge of breast cancer and BSE and frequency of BSE (r=0.071, p=0.403). On the basis of this study, periodic supportive education can increase knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, frequency of BSE, accuracy of BSE and self-efficacy. Suggestions: 1. There is a need to compare the effects of individual programs to acquire BSE behaviors in the young. 2. Further research is needed to test the continuity of the effects of BSE education.