THE EFFECT OF SIMPLE SIMULATION-BASED BREAST CANCER AWARENESS TRAINING ON WOMEN'S BREAST CANCER KNOWLEDGE AND FEAR LEVELS

Authors : Yasemin Aydın Kartal, Sema Aker, Aleyna Bulut, İlayda Orman

Pages : 337-351

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Publication Date : 2025-10-17

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a simple simulation-based breast cancer awareness training on womens knowledge and fear levels regarding breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This study, conducted with a pretest-posttest control group experimental design, was conducted with female cleaning staff working at a state university. Participants were divided into intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups using a simple random sampling method. Both groups received a two-hour theoretical training aimed at raising breast cancer awareness. This training included lectures, case examples, and video demonstrations. In addition to the intervention group, the intervention group received hands-on training using a simple reality breast simulator. Data collection included the “Descriptive Information Form”, the “Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test”, the “Breast Cancer Fear Scale”, and the “Breast Cancer Awareness Scale”. Results: The mean age of the participants was calculated as 32.03±5.20. No significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Both groups showed a significant increase in knowledge following the theoretical training. No statistically significant difference was found in the within-group and between-group comparisons regarding breast cancer fear levels. However, women in the intervention group had significantly higher awareness levels than the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that simple reality simulation-assisted training can be effective in raising womens breast cancer awareness. Following the hands-on training, significant improvements were observed in womens knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, breast self-examination, and the importance of early diagnosis. However, no significant change was observed in their fear levels after the training. Future follow-up studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of the training and to provide individual counseling when necessary.
Keywords : Basit Simülasyon, Bilgi, Farkındalık, Korku, Meme Kanseri

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