The effect of simulation-based breast health education on breast cancer awareness and breast self-examination skills of Afghan refugee women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of simulation-based breast health education on Afghan women's awareness of breast cancer, including knowledge of its risk factors, signs, and symptoms, as well as to improve their breast self-examination skills.

Study design

This study was a pre-test, post-test, parallel-arm randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 46 Afghan women, with 23 participants assigned to each of the intervention and control groups using block randomization. This study was conducted at the Social Development and Aid Mobilization (SGDD-ASAM) in Ankara, Türkiye. The intervention group received simulation-based breast health training. Each session of breast health education was 180 min. The simulation used a one-to-one show-and-do technique, which took approximately 120 min. Data were collected using the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure and the Breast Self-Examination Skill Assessment Form. The data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS 26 program. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the study data, including mean, standard deviation, percentage, and frequency distribution. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test was applied for further analysis. The Chi-Square (X²) Test was used to compare outcomes between groups. The significance level of p < 0.05 was considered.

Results

After the simulation-based training, there was a significant increase in confidence, skills, and behavior awareness among participants in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). While there was no change in the control group, awareness of breast cancer, knowledge, and skills in the intervention group were predominantly rated as sufficient.

Conclusions

The simulation-based breast health education intervention for Afghan refugee women was found to be a practical and innovative approach to raising breast cancer awareness and providing breast self-examination skills. This intervention may play a significant role in identifying at-risk individuals and raising their awareness. If sustained, this could potentially increase future screening participation and early detection, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. It is recommended that policymakers and health professionals prioritize the integration of simulation-based health education into prevention and health promotion strategies targeting disadvantaged populations, such as refugees and migrants, to improve early diagnosis and advance health equity.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Number is NCT06051331. Registration date is 22.11.2023.