Comparing The Effect of Peer Education To Health Care Personnel’s on Knowledge of Breast Self-Examination and The Obstacles among Undergraduate Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Breast self-examination is the only way in access for early diagnosis and control of breast cancer in its primary levels although most women do not perform this examination regularly. This study was performed To compare The effect of education by peers tot hat of health care personnel on knowledge and obstacles of performing breast self-examination among undergraduate students. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 112 students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were selected randomly and allocated in to two groups. A pre-test and two post-tests were taken from them. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire made by researcher including general information and demographic data of modules under investigation, know ledge assessment test, and the test of obstacles to perform breast self-examination. Two to three subjects were selected as peer instructors in peer education group andthenTrained. Students of two groups were educated by peers and personnel of health group independently. The first post-test was held after the sessions were held and the second was held after 6 weeks. Data was analyzed using statistical tests of chi2, paired-test, independent t-test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: The mean scores of breast self-examinations knowledge immediately after education in peer education group was 18/05±1/25 and in personnel of health group was 16/9± 2/1. There was a significant difference between two groups (P=0.002, t=3.27). The mean scores of breast self-examinations knowledge six months after education in peer education group was 16/6±1/75 and in personnel of health group was 16/9±2/1. There was a significant difference between two groups (p=./0004,t=2/90). The mean scores for alterations in anxiety, mentality, and knowledgeable factors in peer education group were higher Than that of health care personnel group, immediately after education. This significant difference was also applicable about knowledge. Conclusion: Since the efficacy of training breast self-examination by peers is higher than the education by health care personnel, it is recommended to employ this educational method more Than before especially in youth Trainings.