An assessment of three alternative formats for promoting breast self-examination

The investigators conclude that practitioners should attempt to allocate time for modeling and guided practice in order to do a more adequate job of promoting the benefits and practice of BSE.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of three alternative educational programs about breast disease and breast self-examination (BSE) on participant knowledge, attitudes about the benefits of BSE, and frequency of BSE practice. The three programs included: 1) exposure to American Cancer Society pamphlets containing information on breast disease and BSE; 2) exposure to a facilitator conducted program in which breast disease was discussed and BSE modeled for participants; and 3) exposure to a program containing the features of modeling with the addition of guided practice. The sample for the study consisted of 219 female college students assigned randomly to one of these three programs. The group exposed to modeling and guided practice indicated more positive attitudes about the benefits derived through BSE than the other two groups (p <0.01). Furthermore, this group demonstrated a higher practice frequency on follow-up (p <0.05). The investigators conclude that practitioners should attempt to allocate time for modeling and guided practice in order to do a more adequate job of promoting the benefits and practice of BSE.