Comparison of two different educational methods on teachers' knowledge, beliefs and behaviors regarding breast cancer screening

Aim: This research has been carried out to compare the effects of different educational initiatives on the beliefs and behaviors related to the practice of early diagnosis of breast cancer. Ninety-three female primary school teachers who were working in Ordu during the time of the research agreed to join the research; 51 of them comprised the model group and 42 the video group. Methods: The teachers both in video and model groups were equaled from the point of view of their age, having had previous breast problems, a history of breast cancer in the family, or knowing how to do breast self examination (BSE). Questionnaires were used to collect data. These included the Champion's Health Belief Model Scales of Breast Cancer Screening and the control list regarding how to do BSE. The collected data were evaluated by computer using the following tests: descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U, Independent Samples t-test, Paired t-test, and McNemar test. Results: Following the education given to the video group, susceptibility, perceived self-efficacy of BSE, and perceived benefits of mammography increased relative to prior to education. In addition the teachers in the video group also improved in their knowledge of BSE. Regarding the education given to the model group, susceptibility, perceived self-efficacy of BSE, and perceived benefits of mammography increased relative to before the education. The teachers in the model group also improved in their knowledge and ability to perform BSE. As a result, it was determined that there is no difference between the beliefs of both groups. Conclusion: This study showed that both video and model methods of education were effective in changing health beliefs regarding breast cancer screening and on the same level increasing knowledge and practice of BSE. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.