The impact of a breast cancer educational intervention in Ghanaian high schools
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nsaful et al. BMC Cancer
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Globally breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer with an estimated 2.3 million new cases and
685,000 deaths in 2020. Late presentation is the hallmark of breast cancer in Ghana for which ignorance and fear are
the major reasons fuelled largely by myths and misconceptions. Breast cancer awareness and education needs to start
early to bring about a change in knowledge, attitude and practices. However, Breast cancer awareness activities in
Ghana have usually targeted adult women.
This study assessed the impact of breast cancer education among adolescent high school girls in Ghana.
Methodology: A pre- post-test quasi experimental study was conducted at two senior high schools. A self-administered
pre-educational questionnaire was followed by an educational intervention consisting of a drama, PowerPoint
lecture, question and answer session and distribution of breast cancer information leaflets. After 3 months the same
questionnaire was administered as a post-education test to assess the impact of the educational intervention. The
total score for each domain was categorised into adequate knowledge > 50% and inadequate knowledge < 50%.
Results: The number of participants in the pre-test and post-test were 1043 and 1274; the median ages [IQR] were
16.0 [15.0–17.0] for both the pre and post-test students. General knowledge on breast cancer at pre-education
(29.1%) improved to 72.5% (p < 0.001). Knowledge on signs and symptoms improved from 33.1 to 55% (p < 0.001);
knowledge on risk factors improved from 55.3 to 79.2% (p < 0.001), and knowledge on breast self-examination and
screening improved from 9.8 to 22.2% (p < 0.001). The overall performance of the students improved from 17.2 to
59.4% (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: There is inadequate knowledge about breast cancer and self-examination among senior high school
girls in Ghana. Our breast cancer educational intervention was effective in improving general knowledge of breast
cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms and breast self-examination. The overall knowledge base improved from 17.2
to 59.4% 3 months post intervention, accompanied by an increase in the reported practice of breast self-examination
and a greater belief that breast cancer is curable. This study has demonstrated the need for a school breast cancer
educational program and that breast cancer education in high schools is effective.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Breast cancer, High schools, Educational intervention, Adolescents, Breast self-examination