Peer Leaders and Phone Prompts: Implications in the Practice of Breast Care among College Students

Abstract

Background: Compliance with breast self-examination (BSE) guidelines helps detect breast cancer early while<br />increasing physical activity decreases the risk of having breast cancer. Finding ways to early initiate and maintain such<br />behavior among youth is therefore important. In this study we aimed to determine the effects of two health promotion<br />education interventions on knowledge and attitude to breast care, as well as practice of BSE and physical activity by<br />female college students. Materials and Methods: A total of 999 students from ten colleges underwent two kinds of<br />health education strategies for three months, namely the traditional health education program (THEP) and tapping peer<br />leaders using mobile phone prompts (PPHEP). Results: Improvement in knowledge and attitude was shown for both<br />groups as compared to the control group. Both interventions equally increased the practice of BSE and maintenance of<br />the recommended level of physical activity. Conclusion: There was an increase in the knowledge and positive attitude<br />to breast care and practice of BSE with an improvement in the level of exercise when THEP and PPHEP interventions<br />were used. Health education with peers using mobile phone prompts offers an alternative and effective way of promoting<br />BSE and acceptable levels of exercise.