Health education models application by peer group for improving breast cancer screening among Iranian women with a family history of breast cancer: A randomized control trial

Background: Studies have shown that participation of Iranian women with family history of breast cancer in screening service is low. This investigation has evaluated the effectiveness of health models according to peer group in improving clinical breast exam (CBE) among Iranian women with a family history of breast cancer. Methods: This was a randomized control trial conducted during June and August 2015 in Isfahan. A total of 54 women were assigned into intervention and 53 to control group. Women 20 years or older with an affected relative were included. CBE screening, stage of change screening, knowledge, and belief were considered as outcomes after educational program. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and descriptive statistics by SPSS. Significance level was set at 0.025. Results: Investigation was completed by 98 women; and we considered 22% as effect size. Three months after the intervention, screening practice was 52% in interventional versus 18% in control group (p<0.001). Knowledge and all health belief subscales scores were significantly affected by time factor and time-group interaction (p<0.001). The effect of group factor was significantly related to knowledge score and perceived sensitivity, benefits, and health motivation subscales. Three months after the intervention, most women in the intermediation group were in the action stage of CBE compared to the controls who continued to be in contemplation stage (p<0.001). Conclusion: Peer group interventions, which can be organized by health models, have positive effects on CBE in women with positive history of breast cancer.