Effects of Education on Knowledge and Attitudes of Working Women in Birjand University Regarding Breast CancerScreening Methods

Introduction:Early diagnosis of breast cancer in women leads to cost reduction, and acceleration intreatment and improvementof disease. BSE (breast self-examination) is one of importantscreening methods which can help in breast cancer diagnosis and lead to a decrease inmortality rate. Theaim of this study was to investigate the effects of education on knowledgeand attitudes of working women in Birjand University regarding BSE.Materials and Methods:This study was a pre and post quasi-experimental study which was done on working womenof Birjand University in two stages. After completing questionnaires of attitude andknowledge measurement in the first stage, education was performed through lectures byexperts, pamphlet, video, and verbal questions and answers. After two months, thequestionnaire was completed again. Data analysis was done using independent statistical ttest,covariance analysis, and chi-squared test at 0.05 significance level.Results:The results of the study showed the level of knowledge about breast cancer and BSE beforeeducation was fair in most participants (%61.8) and the level of attitudes in %56.2 of themwas good. After intervention, the level of knowledge and attitudes was good respectivelyin%67.6 and %79.8. The mean score of knowledge and attitude increased significantly aftereducation (p<0.001). There was a significant relation between attitudes and knowledge andlevel of education (p=0.04, p<0.001 respectively). There was no significant relation betweenknowledge and family background after education. However, there was a significant relationbetween attitude and family history (p=0.002).Conclusion:Given the fact that the above program is effective regarding breast cancer screening and BSE,it is recommended to design and implement such educational programs to improve women shealth.

Effects of Education on Knowledge and Attitudes of Working Women in Birjand University Regarding Breast CancerScreening Methods Keywords:

breast cancer , screening , education , knowledge , attitude , BSE