Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of nursing and midwifery students regarding breast self-examination in Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of nursing and midwifery students regarding breast self-examination (BSE).


METHODS
Descriptive, cross-sectional.


METHODS
Aydin School of Health at Adnan Menderes University in Aydin, Turkey.


METHODS
244 female students of nursing and midwifery.


METHODS
Data were collected with a questionnaire.


METHODS
BSE-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.


RESULTS
More than half of the study participants stated they had sufficient information about BSE from varied sources, primarily from school curricula. The students were knowledgeable about who should perform BSE and its recommended frequency; however, their knowledge of BSE techniques was limited. First-year students had negative attitudes about BSE but became more positive as they progressed in their education. Half of the study sample stated they performed BSE at recommended times and intervals, but only one-fifth used recommended BSE positions and techniques. The main reasons for not performing BSE included not knowing how to perform it (57%), not having any history of problems in the breast (39%), and forgetfulness (18%).


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that nursing and midwifery education has a positive effect on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding BSE.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that nursing and midwifery students should be thoroughly prepared to perform BSE on themselves so they can educate other women about this important preventive procedure.
Memis
Sakine
S
Department of Medical Nursing, Aydin School of Health at Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey. smemis@adu.edu.tr
Balkaya
Nevin Akdolun
NA
Demirkiran
Fatma
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009773:Obstetric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult