Pilot study: This was conducted a pilot study on 20
students to test the questions for any ambiguity, and to test
the practicability and feasibility of using the questionnaire
form. It also helped the researcher to determine the time
needed for filling out the forms. The tools were finalized
after doing necessary modifications according to the pilot
study results. The pilot subjects were not included later in the
main study sample.
Fieldwork: The fieldwork was carried out from October
2012 to March 2013 through assessment, planning,
implementation, and evaluation phases. During the
assessment phase the pre-test was carried out to identify
students’ needs and to build-up the health education
intervention program accordingly. The planning phase
involved preparation of the educational program; this
included seven sessions covering breast anatomy, definition
of breast cancer, signs and symptoms and predisposing
factors, types and diagnosis, BSE, health promotion related
to breast cancer, and early treatment. The researchers utilized
various approaches of adult learning such as interactive
lectures with open discussions, brain storming, and
demonstration-re-demonstration. Various teaching media
were used such as power-point presentations, pictures, model
objects, booklet and mirror, in addition to an illustrated
pamphlet to enhance learning. In the implementation phase,
the program was offered to students in small groups each
consisting of 18 students in seven sessions each lasting 30-45
minutes. The evaluation phase involved a posttest after
completion of the intervention.
The study protocol was approved by the pertinent
committees of the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University.
All principles of ethics in research were followed according
to Helsinki guidelines. Data entry and statistical analysis
were done using SPSS 16.0 statistical software package.
Statistical significance was considered at p-value