Publication Date

1980

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Frank-Stromborg, Marilyn

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Nursing

LCSH

Breast--Examination

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the more effective of two methods of teaching breast self-examination (BSE), practicing on a teaching model "Betsi-breast" versus practicing on the subject's own breasts. A BSE questionnaire developed by the investigator contained questions concerning the frequency and technique used in the subject's BSE practice. A Frequency Classification Scale and a Thoroughness Classification Scale were used to score both the pretest and a 6-month follow-up posttest for the 3 groups of subjects. A total of 48 subjects, consisting of practical nursing students enrolled in a midwest community college, were included in the study. A control group of 16 subjects received only a BSE booklet between tests. The 17 subjects in experimental group #1 received the BSE booklet and instruction with practice on the "Betsi-breast" teaching model, while the 15 subjects in experimental group #2 received the BSE booklet and instruction with practice on their own unclothed breasts. All six null hypotheses were upheld reporting no significant difference among any of the three groups in the amount of change in frequency or thoroughness of their examination. However, the study did indicate a highly significant change (p. = .003) occurring in both frequency and thoroughness in all three groups between the pretest and posttest. The findings suggest that the distribution of printed materials would be as effective as group teaching in changing practices of BSE. This study also indicates that during instruction of BSE technique the use of either the "Betsi-breast" teaching model or the subject's own breasts could be equally effective, and the practice methods could be chosen solely on the basis of convenience and feasibility for the teaching situation.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

ix, 106 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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