Development and Validation of a Culturally-Tailored Breast Cancer Health Education Programme for Arab Women

Abstract

abstract:Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate a health education programme to encourage breast cancer awareness and early detection behaviours among Arab women. Methods: This study took place between December 2015 and March 2016. The Enabling Systems Raising Awareness model was used to develop a breast cancer health education programme which was subsequently implemented by trained health educators at three female-only fitness clubs in Muscat, Oman. Breast cancer knowledge among 53 women was assessed using the breast module of the Cancer Awareness Measure before and after each health education session. Overall pre-and post-session knowledge scores were then compared. Additionally, three focus group discussions were conducted with 10 participants from each location. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed discussions and collect feedback on the programme. Results: The health education sessions resulted in a statistically significant increase in overall mean knowledge scores (P <0.001). Participants also reported significantly improved intentions to undertake early detection practices (P <0.001). The focus group discussions yielded distinct themes and valuable feedback which can be utilised in the future to create an improved version of the programme. Conclusion: While the health education programme significantly improved breast cancer and early detection knowledge among a cohort of Arab women, it still required critical improvements in terms of structure and administration. Additional studies are required in order to evaluate long-term behavioural outcomes resulting from the improved programme.

Effects of a health education intervention on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non‐communicable diseases among undergraduate students in Jordan

“…Students’ knowledge regarding risk factors, symptoms and screenings of different types of cancer improved significantly after the HPC, which is consistent with previous findings (Abuadas & Abuadas, 2020; Alkhasawneh et al., 2017; Ouyang & Hu, 2014). Similarly, a Jordanian study found that the BC educational programme, using various teaching methods, was effective in improving university students’ knowledge regarding BC, its warning signs and risk factors (Alsaraireh & Darawad, 2019).…”

“…The interactive education about CNCDs significantly improved students’ knowledge of general facts, risk factors, prevention strategies and healthy lifestyles, treatment and complications of CNCDs. This result is supported by a previous studies that used similar interactive methods for education about CNCDs (Alkhasawneh et al., 2017; Alsaraireh & Darawad, 2019; Selvam et al., 2017). Knowledge about common CNCDs could be beneficial for young adults in fighting the epidemic of CNCDs when entering the workforce, starting a career or establishing a new family.…”

Factors Affecting Breast Cancer Screening Behavior Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…To make initiatives more accessible, they can be launched in frequent venues like schools, media, or supermarkets. Alkhasawneh et al implemented a breast cancer education program for Arab women, raising awareness and participation in screenings [ 25 ]. Serral et al emphasized the importance of educating the population, especially susceptible women, about the benefits and risks of breast cancer screening programs so that they could make informed decisions [ 26 ].…”

Barriers to Breast Cancer-Screening Adherence in Vulnerable Populations

“…To be accessible to them, the campaigns could be implemented in places related to their everyday lives, such as schools, the media and/or supermarkets. An example of this was conducted by Alkhasawneh et al [48], who implemented a breast cancer education program for Arab women to increase knowledge of the subject and participation in screenings, and the results were clearly positive. Serral et al [44] invited us to inform the population, focusing on women from the most vulnerable groups, of the benefits and risks of participating in a breast cancer-screening program, so that women can make informed decisions.…”