Effectiveness of intervention on breast cancer among select students of Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is a public health problem worldwide and in India as well. Early diagnosis of this problem needs knowledge of the women. Further, belief on this disease also has been reported playing a role in taking steps in the early diagnosis and treatment.Methods: A total of 165 participants of this study include first year students pursuing various courses such as Agriculture, Medicine and Dentistry. The knowledge was assessed in terms of risk factors, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and self-breast examination. Belief on breast cancer was also assessed. After pre assessment, intervention with video and power point presentation was carried out. Then assessments were made at immediate and 24 hours after interventions.Results: Significant improvements in the knowledge and belief were observed from pre intervention to immediately after intervention. Knowledge gained was sustained at 24 hours after intervention. Significant improvements in belief were observed between immediate and 24 hour assessments.Conclusions: The intervention was found to be effective. As regards the belief on breast cancer, it was observed that temporal dimension of belief was revealed by the improvements between the assessments.