Efectos de una intervención educativa en los conocimientos y prácticas de los estilos de vida saludables para la prevención del cáncer de seno en estudiantes mujeres de un colegio público de la localidad de Ciudad Bolívar en Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of an educational intervention on breast self-examination, breast cancer prevention related knowledge and healthy lifestyles in scholars from alow-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Methods: Uncontrolled trial conducted in 155 scholars. Two educational sessions, 90 minutes each, were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire at pre and post-intervention, as well as one, three and six months after the intervention. Results: Breast self-examination was practiced by 78. 1% of the scholars and the overall knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor. The educational intervention resulted in significant improvements on breast self-examination practice, the technique knowledge, and the knowledge of the main risk factors for breast cancer as well as the practice of physical activity and vegetable intake at six months follow-up. Conclusion: An educational intervention according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control improved the practice of breast self-examination, breast cancer prevention related knowledge and healthy lifestyles in female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized-controlled studies are warranted.