Improve Knowledge, Beliefs and Behavior of Undergraduate Female Nursing Students in Al-Alzhar University toward Breast Self-Examination Practice

Abstract

Breast cancer is a public health problem that is most common form of cancer among females in both developed and developing world, The Health Belief Model (HBM) has been used as a theoretical framework to study Breast Self-Examination and other breast cancer detection behaviors. The aim of this study: Was to improve knowledge, beliefs and behavior of undergraduate female nursing students in Al-Alzhar University toward breast self examination practice. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Health Technical Institute for female students at Al-Alzhar University for 113female student nurse. Tools: data was collected using self administered questionnaires prepared by researchers and Health Belief Model Scale Data. Results: The participants in the study showed more deficiency on screening knowledge, and poor practice of BSE at pre education. Also, the results of this study highlight the positive impact of the educational training on nursing students’ breast cancer and breast self exam  knowledge, practice and health beliefs which there was statistically significant differences were found between students' pretest and posttest BSE Knowledge, practice and  beliefs. Conclusion and recommendation: the results of this study concluded that this program could be instrumental in increasing nursing students’ perception of susceptibility may serve to improve not only their own health status but may empower them to teach women about the importance of early diagnosis and to seek early medical advice. This study emphasizes that the need to teach nursing students breast cancer awareness and early detection of breast cancer in their undergraduate courses. In addition, the provision of regular interventions is necessary to increase and build up the confidence and skills of nursing students in teaching preventive health behaviors including BSE to society and other students as colleagues.

Keywords: Breast Self Exam (BSE), Breast Cancer, Nursing Students, Health Beliefs Model