The Effects of Breast Self-Examination Program on Knowledge and Perceived Self-Efficacy among Female Nursing Students in a Private University

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention program on knowledge and perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination among private university female nursing students. Design and methods: One group pre-test/post-test research design was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program for nursing students. The program was instructed to 31 nursing students in a private university by researcher. Pre- and post-tests made available a quantitative evaluation of the level of improvement in breast self-examination knowledge and perceived self-efficacy. Results: Mean of the total breast self-examination score of nursing students prior to the program was 7.19 SD 1.64 whereas, it increased to 9.13 SD 0.81, revealing a statistically significant escalation (p < 0.0001 ). A significant increase was detected in the perceived self-efficacy of breast self- examination practice as a result of the significant improvement in the mean of perceived self- efficacy of breast self-examination score which rose evidently from 58.52 SD 18.00 to 81.48 SD 15.65 (p < 0.0001 ). Conclusion: The intervention program improved the knowledge and perceived self-efficacy of breast self-examination in nursing students of a private university. The further study should be expanded to female university students in Thailand and performed booster including evaluation the program's effectiveness over the long -term.