A Theory-Based Intervention to Improve Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening in Jamaica

Abstract

Despite declines in breast cancer mortality rates in developed countries, mortality rates remain high in Jamaica due to low levels of screening and lack of early detection. We hypothesized that a theory-based health educational intervention would increase awareness of breast cancer and intention to screen among women in Western Jamaica. Two hundred and forty six women attending hospitals or clinics were enrolled in an educational intervention consisting of a pretest, breast cancer presentation, and posttest if they had never been screened or had not been screened in 5 years or more. The questionnaires assessed attitudes and knowledge of risk factors and symptoms related to breast cancer. Participants were followed approximately 6 months after the intervention to determine whether they accessed breast cancer screening. There were statistically significant increases (p < 0.0001) in the percentage of correct knowledge responses and in participants' intention to screen from pretest to posttest. The greatest posttest improvements were among items measuring knowledge of breast cancer screening tests and risk factors. Of the 134 women who were reached by phone for post-intervention follow-up, 30 women (22.4 %) were screened for breast cancer and 104 women (77.6 %) had not been screened. The use of a theory-based educational intervention positively influenced knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and types of screening and increased screening rates in screening-naïve women. This theory-based educational intervention may be replicated to promote awareness of breast cancer and further increase screening rates in other areas of Jamaica and other developing countries.

Effect of a Breast-Self Examination (BSE) Educational Intervention among Female University Students

“…Moreover, the independent effect of the program was demonstrated through multivariate analysis, which provides further confirmation of its effectiveness. In agreement with these findings, a study in Jamaica reported statistically significant improvements in women's knowledge about breast cancer following an educational program (Anakwenze et al, 2014). Similar improvements were reported by Lee-Lin et al (2014) in a randomized clinical trial on the effects of a breast health intervention on the knowledge and beliefs among Chinese American immigrants.…”

Effect of an Educational Guideline about Gynecological Examination on Nurses' Knowledge and Practices

“…In the same line, a study by Ahmed et al (2017), Revealed that more than two-fifths of adolescent girls their practices about BSE improved post interventions, also agree with. A study carried out by Anakwenze et al (2015), contradicted with the results of the current study, These results were also consistent with Ramadan and Mohamed 2015, who revealed that there was a significant improvement in the level of women's practice of BSE after the program implementation.…”

Breast cancer screening in developing countries

“…A study conducted in Jamaica reported that 11.4% of women had undergone a mammography at least 5 years ago 45 .…”