A Study to Assess the Effect of Demonstration on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Breast Self-Examination Among Women in Selected Rural Area

Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a crucial, cost-effective, and non-invasive method that enables early detection of breast abnormalities, particularly in rural areas with limited access to advanced diagnostic tools like mammography. Despite its benefits, awareness and practice of BSE remain alarmingly low among women in India, especially in underserved communities. This study aimed to assess the effect of demonstration on knowledge and attitude regarding BSE among women in a selected rural area. A quantitative approach with a one-group pre-test post-test research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 60 women aged 30 years and above, selected through purposive sampling from Chandoli village in Pune. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and an attitude scale measured perceptions before and after the demonstration. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a significant improvement in both knowledge and attitude following the demonstration. Before the intervention, 26.67% of women had poor knowledge and 68.33% had average knowledge; after the intervention, 85% demonstrated good knowledge. Similarly, 65% of participants had a negative attitude before the demonstration, which decreased to 6.67% post-intervention, while those with a positive attitude increased to 93.33%. Paired t-tests confirmed statistically significant improvements in knowledge (t=8.83, p