Breast J. 2026;2026(1):e8854280. doi: 10.1155/tbj/8854280.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women globally, and early detection remains the cornerstone of reducing mortality. In low-resource settings such as Somalia, limited access to mammography and diagnostic services makes breast self-examination (BSE) an important awareness practice. This study aimed to assess the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on Somali female university students’ knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to breast cancer and BSE.
METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted among 86 female undergraduate students enrolled at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Mogadishu, Somalia, between September 2021 and June 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 43) or a control group (n = 43) using the sealed opaque envelope method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire including a sociodemographic form and the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). The intervention group attended a structured 90-min HBM-based breast health education session delivered by two public health lecturers, while the control group received no education during the study period. Three months after the intervention, posttest data were collected from both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive and inferential tests, with significance set at p < 0.05 (two-tailed).
RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 20.3 ± 1.63 years. Postintervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge of breast cancer and BSE (p < 0.001), perceived benefits (p = 0.02), health motivation, and self-confidence in performing BSE (p < 0.001). The frequency and correct practice of BSE also increased significantly after 3 months (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: HBM-based breast health education improved students’ knowledge, awareness, and BSE practice. Although BSE is not a screening tool, it is an essential awareness method in settings with limited access to diagnostic services.
PMID:41885785 | DOI:10.1155/tbj/8854280
