Effect of Peer Education on Early Breast Cancer Detection, Health Responsibility, Health Beliefs, Knowledge, and Practices Among University Students.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer remains a major global health issue, with early detection playing a key role in reducing mortality rates. University students represent an important population for promoting health responsibility and preventive behaviors such as breast self-examination (BSE). Peer education has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance health-related knowledge and practices among young adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the impact of peer education on early breast cancer detection, health responsibility, health beliefs, knowledge, and practices among university students.

METHODS

This randomized controlled experimental study involved 244 students (124 in the intervention group and 120 in the control group). Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test (CBCKT), the Champion's Health Belief Model (CHBM), and a BSE skill assessment test. The intervention group received education on breast cancer and BSE. Both groups were assessed 6 months after the intervention. Data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, eta squared, independent samples t-test, and paired samples t-test.

RESULTS

Before the peer education, no significant differences were observed between the groups. However, following the intervention, significant improvements were noted in breast cancer knowledge, health responsibility, health beliefs, and BSE practices in the intervention group. Additionally, while only 4.8% of students performed BSE in 12 steps before the intervention, this increased to 58.1% after the education.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer education significantly enhanced breast cancer knowledge, health responsibility, health beliefs, and BSE practices. Nurses play a vital role in supporting these interventions, promoting early detection, and improving health outcomes through targeted education strategies.