A School–Based Pre–Post Interventional Study in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan on Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Among Adolescent Female StudentsUsing Peer-Assisted Learning

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the baseline level of breast cancer and breast self-examination knowledge among adolescent female students and to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention with peer assistance at a public school in Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan.
Study Design: A school-based pre–post interventional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Government Secondary High School in Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan, from April 2023 to October 2023.
Methods: A total of 310 female high school students between the ages of 13 and 18 participated in a pre-post interventional trial. The WHO sample size calculator was used to determine the sample size, using a 95% confidence level, a 5% margin of error, and an anticipated improvement in knowledge following the intervention. The required number of students came to 310. Simple random sampling was adopted to identify participants from different parts of the class. Baseline knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Later, a peer-supported educational intervention was introduced. The peer educators were trained by the researchers. The procedure comprised lectures, audiovisual presentations, question-and answer sessions, and a live demonstration of how to perform a breast self-examination using anatomical
models. Knowledge was reassessed after six weeks using the questionnaire as used before the intervention.
Results: Baseline awareness of breast cancer and Breast self-examination was poor across all domains. Following the intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and correct BSE technique (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Peer-assisted learning is an effective and acceptable strategy for improving breast cancer awareness and breast self-examination (BSE)knowledge among adolescent girls and may be incorporated into school-based health education programs, particularly in resource-limited settings.

How to cite this: Qubtia M, Shahid N, Qamar K, Qureshi SN, Ashfaq R, Mahmood A. A School–Based Pre–Post Interventional Study in
Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan on Breast Cancer Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Among Adolescent Female Students Using Peer-
Assisted Learning. Life and Science. 2026; 7(2): 174-180. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.1110