The effects of breast self-exam education on the performance of nursing and midwifery students: a 6-month follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
Late detection of breast cancer is still a leading cause of morbidity among patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preplanned breast self-examination (BSE) training on nursing and midwifery students.


METHODS
A total of 74 first-year nursing and midwifery students were trained on BSE. Data were collected before and after BSE education by a modified questionnaire.


RESULTS
The BSE accuracy of the students was increased after education. Furthermore, positive attitude and behavior of the students toward BSE were improved. The students started to practice BSE with the right techniques and positions at the right time. The main reasons not to perform BSE were the lack of knowledge and motivation prior the education.


CONCLUSIONS
BSE training is effective in nursing and midwifery students but should be repeated periodically for better efficacy.
Balkaya
Nevin Akdolun
NA
Adnan Menderes University, Aydin School of Health, Aydin, Turkey. nakdolun@yahoo.com
Memis
Sakine
S
Demirkiran
Fatma
F
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D013338:Students, Nursing; D014421:Turkey