Evaluating knowledge, attitude, and performance of Tehran University of Medical Sciences students about breast cancer screening, in 2010

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Abstract

Introduction: The most common type of cancer and malignant neoplasia in women and it is the Cause of 548,000 women death in the world. Because of female students of medical sciences universities, are important persons in promoting breast cancer screening practice, this study was conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and performance about breast cancer screening among students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, in 2010.
Materials &Methods:This cross sectional-analytical study conducted on 415 students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tool was questionnaire with four sections consisting of demography characteristics and Measurement of Knowledge, attitude and practice. For data analysis descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson, T test, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis) were used.
Results:The mean (±SD) age of Participants was 22.3±8.2.Most of participants were professional doctorate students (62%). Most of students spent fourth year of their education (76%).The results showed that most student’s knowledge is insufficient (50.6%) and majority participant’s attitude about this issue is positive (96.4%). Practice of students about breast self-exam and clinical breast exam was poor (91.1%). The majority of students stated that they have inadequate information in this field (62.9%).
Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes and poor performance of students of Tehran Medical Sciences University, Represents a failure to provide necessary training to them and indicate the necessity of training courses about breast cancer and it is screening methods at the University. Further studies should be performed to evaluate effective teaching methods.

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