A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Program on Knowledge and Practice of Women on Breast Self examination in Selected Rural Area of Bangalore

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in India today. The overall outcome of this disease is largely dependent on early detection and medical intervention. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an easy, cost-effective, and safe method of screening for breast cancer. Early detection plays a pivotal role in the prevention of breast cancer; early detection. Breast cancer is made distinct from other types of cancers by the fact that it occurs in a noticeable organ and can be detected and treated at an early stage. Most of the breast tumors diagnosed in an early stage have been self-discovered.

Method: In this study, a quantitative research approach and a pre-experimental research design was used to assess and practice of women's breast self-examination among women. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the samples. A sample size of 50 women was selected to participate in the research study. Women residing in selected rural areas were considered the sample for the present study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic and knowledge and practice checklists about breast self-examination among women.

Results: From the total participants, a comparison of pretest and posttest level of knowledge and practice regarding breast self-examination among women. Pretest level of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among women: pretest level good knowledge 0.00 percent, average knowledge 20(40%) and poor knowledge 30(60%). So, P<0.05 level at significant. Post-test level of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among women posttest level good knowledge 45(90%), average knowledge 5(10%) and poor knowledge0(0.0%). So, P<0.05 level at significant.

Pretest level of practice regarding breast self-examination among women pretest level good practice 5(10%), Average practice 10(20%) and Poor practice 35(70%). So, P<0.05 level at significant. Posttest level of practice regarding breast self-examination among women Posttest level good practice 45(90%), average practice 5(10%) and poor practice 0(0.0%). So, P<0.05 level at significant. H2 is accepted.

The comparison of mean and standard deviation between pretest and post-test level knowledge regarding breast self-examination among women. The mean score was increased from 28.6 to 42.03 which showed a marked difference of 13.43 and the standard deviation was decreased from 4.84 to 2.49 after the administration of planned teaching programme. The paired t-test value of 10.14, was very highly significant at p<0.05 level. It indicates the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on increasing the level of knowledge on breast self-examination among women.

The comparison of mean and standard deviation between pretest and post-test level practice regarding breast self-examination among women. The mean score was increased from 18.07 to 25.05 which showed a marked difference of 6.98 and the standard deviation was decreased from 3.86 to 1.69 after the administration of planned teaching programme. The paired t-test value of 11.18, was very highly significant at p<0.05 level. It indicates the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on increasing the level of practice on breast self-examination among women.

Demographic variable educational status of women, had a statistically significant association with the pretest levels of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among women. Age, religion, marital status, Age of attaining menarche, family monthly income, Number of children, Duration of breastfeeding, and family history of breast cancer showed no statistically significant association with the pretest levels of knowledge regarding breast self-examination among women. P<0.05. Hence, H4 is accepted.

The demographic variable, the educational status of women, had a statistically significant association with the pretest levels of practice regarding breast self-examination among women. Age, religion, marital status, Age of attaining menarche, family monthly income, Number of children, Duration of breastfeeding, and family history of breast cancer have shown no statistically significant association with the pretest levels of practice regarding breast self-examination among women. P<0.05. Hence, H5 is accepted.

Conclusion: Educational programs to create awareness regarding breast cancer and its occurrence, risk factors, screening, including breast self-examination, symptoms, need for early help-seeking practices, diagnosis, and treatment modalities are the need of the hour.