Breast Prosthesis Education: Outcome on Knowledge among Post Mastectomy Women

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Mastectomy is the common treatment modality of breast cancer in which partial or full affected breast is removed to prevent further spread of cancer. External breast prosthesis is used to replace the natural breast after a complete mastectomy. The study aimed at assessing the effect of structured teaching program regarding the use of breast prosthesis on knowledge of post mastectomy women.

A quantitative approach with one group pretest post test pre-experimental research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 30 post mastectomy women selected by purposive sampling. Knowledge questionnaire was administered using interview technique. Structured teaching program on breast prosthesis was given for 45 minutes. Various aspects breast prosthesis was included in the teaching program. Post test was done after one week with the same knowledge questionnaire.

The mean post test knowledge score (16.5±5) was significantly higher than the mean pretest knowledge score (10.5±3.5). The calculated ‘t’ value (2.09) was higher than the table value at 0.05 level of significance.

These results support that, the structured teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge of post mastectomy patients regarding external breast prosthesis.