The effect of Health Education on Knowledge and Attitude of Female Students in Sohag University about Breast Self-Examination

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of health education on the knowledge and attitude of breast self-examination (BSE) among fourth-grade non-medical female students in Sohag University. Method: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study design was used. Students were recruited from four faculties in Sohag University; faculties of Arts, Education, Law, and Commerce. Female students were randomly selected, and they were given a pre-test. They were divided into two groups; group A (had a health education session) and group B (no health education session). After one month, all students had a post-test. Scores and levels of knowledge & attitude were compared between the two groups before and after the health education session. Results: The study included 370 female students. The baseline socio-demographic data, knowledge, and attitude scores were comparable between the two groups before the educational session. In group (A), knowledge scores improved after the educational session in most of the questions and the total knowledge scores, and this improvement was statistically significant. In group (B), there were minimal changes in the post- educational session scores which were not statistically significant. Post-test attitude scores improved in most of the questions for the group (A). For group (B) attitude scores and levels showed little difference in the post-test. Conclusion: Health education sessions improved the knowledge and attitude for BSE.