Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, belief and practices of university students about breast cancer and early diagnosis methods.

Methods: The study was carried out with 1114 female students who studied non-health fields of a university. The research is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test and tracking test evaluation. Students are 40-45 minutes in groups of 20-30 people "breast cancer and early diagnosis methods" training was given. The data were collected in three stages: pre-training, post-training and one-month after the training with questionnaire form and Health Belief Model Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and t test.

Results: The mean age of the students was 20.23 ± 2.61. Out of all participants,11.3% were diagnosed with any breast disease by a doctor diagnosis. Meanwhile, 15.8% of them reported a positive family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer and early diagnosis methods increased the knowledge and health status of the students after the training (p<0.05). After the training, students' susceptibility, seriousness, self-efficacy, health motivation and benefit perceptions were increased and the barrier perception was decreased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Breast cancer and early diagnosis method education program positively influenced the knowledge, beliefs and practices of students studying in non-health areas.