Year: 2026 | Month: March | Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 216-219
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260326
Impact of Health Education on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Self-Breast Examination among Physiotherapy Students
Ishita Adhyapak1, Imran Burmawala2
1Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, B.J. Medical College, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Vyas Medical College and Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ishita Adhyapak
ABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving survival outcomes, especially in low-resource settings. Self-breast examination (SBE) is a simple, cost-effective method for early detection; however, inadequate knowledge and unfavourable attitudes toward SBE limit its regular practice among young women.
Objectives: To assess the impact of health education on knowledge and attitude regarding self-breast examination among physiotherapy students.
Materials and Methods: An interventional study was conducted among 160 physiotherapy students at a physiotherapy college attached to B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Baseline data on socio-demographic profile, knowledge, and attitude regarding self-breast examination were collected using a predesigned and structured questionnaire. Following baseline assessment, a structured health education intervention was delivered through lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and demonstrations on SBE. Post-intervention data were collected using the same questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude scores before and after the intervention were compared using paired Student’s t-test, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: At baseline, the majority of students (61.8%) had poor knowledge regarding self-breast examination. Following the educational intervention, there was a marked improvement in knowledge levels, with a substantial increase in students demonstrating good knowledge (29.3%). Attitude toward SBE also showed improvement after the intervention. Mean knowledge scores increased from 2.18 ± 1.10 to 4.87 ± 1.33, and mean attitude scores increased from 3.41 ± 1.68 to 5.39 ± 1.46. The improvement in both knowledge and attitude scores was statistically highly significant (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Health education interventions are effective in significantly improving knowledge and attitude regarding self-breast examination among physiotherapy students. Incorporating regular educational programs on SBE in health-professional training curricula may contribute to early detection and improved breast cancer outcomes.
Key words: Self-breast examination; Breast cancer; Health education; Knowledge; Attitude; Physiotherapy students