Effects of Peer Education, Social Support and Self Esteem on Breast Self Examination Performance and Knowledge Level

Abstract

<br/><b>Objective</b>: To estimate associations among peer education, social support and self esteem and their influenceson performance of breast self-examination (BSE). <br/><b>Method</b>: Seven volunteer peer educators were given the BSEtraining programme and in turn educated 65 women students in the university. BSE knowledge evaluationforms developed by Maurer were applied for evaluation. Other data were collected with questionnaries for theCoopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Scale of Perceived Social Support over three months. <br/><b>Results</b>: Knowledgelevel points of students and the BSE practice ratio were increased by peer support. There was a positiverelationship between average BSE knowledge points and social support and self-esteem. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: The resultsshowed positive relationships among BSE knowledge, social support and self esteem, these affecting the BSEperformance level.