THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION ACQUISITION PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION BEHAVIORS AMONG PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS, UTTARADIT RAJBHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

          The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and breast self-examination skills of Uttaradit Rajabhat University Public Health students to determine the effectiveness of a breast self-examination acquisition program. The research utilized a quasi-experimental design, dividing students in two groups with 30 participants each. The program, spanning four sessions of two hours each, encompassed group lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises on self-breast examination. The daa were collected and analyzed by statistical package software program using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Compare average knowledge scores, attitudes about breast cancer and breast self-examination skills pre-post attaining the program using t-test statistics (Paired Sample t-test). The study revealed statistically significant increases in knowledge, attitudes, and self-examination skills among participants post-program, with p-values < 0.05 (µ =15.5, 16.5 µ = 47.2, 50.4, and µ = 1.8, 4.0 respectively). This program should be encouraged for implementation among public health students, and other programs in Uttaradit Rajabhat University. In addition, this program could by applied as guidelines for public health professionals to improve their skills and teach breast self-examination to others.