Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Nursing Review, cilt.66, sa.4, ss.498-505, 2019 (SCI-Expanded)
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peer education about breast cancer screening on the health beliefs of female university students. Background: The breast self-examination method is an effective technique that is also simple and inexpensive. Introduction: In recent years, besides the classic methods of providing education on breast self-examination, it has been observed that the use of the technique of peer education is increasing and more and more studies are being conducted on this method and its effectiveness. Methods: This study is of quasiexperimental design using a single group, pretest/post-test model. The study was conducted with 742 university first-year students. The data for the study were collected using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire, Peer Education Satisfaction Questionnaire and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Results: It was found that the students’ perception of barriers to performing the breast self-examination had declined and their self-efficacy had increased, and that the level of perceived barriers to having a mammogram had decreased and 98% of the students were satisfied with the peer education. Conclusion: It was seen in this study that the level of knowledge of the students about breast cancer, perceived severity, barriers, benefits and self-efficacy as well as the rate of performing BSE displayed a significant increase after the peer education programme. Implications for nursing and health policy: The method of peer education may be utilized in the effort to increase young women's awareness about breast cancer and ensure that they learn about breast self-examinations. The peer education model can be useful in providing breast self-examination education to young people in school. The results of the present study may be beneficial in developing policies on health education on university campuses.