Visually Impaired Women Model-based Cancer Education and Breast Self-examination

The aim of our study was to raise awareness among visually impaired women, who are in the vulnerable group, about breast cancer, which ranks first among female cancers, and to teach breast self-examination.

Cancer ranks second after cardiovascular diseases among the causes of death in the world and in our country and it is predicted that by 2030 this situation will change due to changing living and environmental conditions and cancer will take the first place. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among female cancers. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that can be prevented and treated if diagnosed early. For this reason, screening programs have been developed to prevent breast cancer and these screening programs include breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination and mammography. These screening programs, which are also accepted in our country, include all women between the ages of 20-69. should be included. However, 11% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a distant stage. Disability for women, it affects their access to health services; people's perceptions of disability, inappropriate health services facilities and equipment, stereotypes and discrimination, economic inadequacy, negative treatment from staff, unequal allocation of time and money within the household for their care, limited health service coverage and lack of disability-related education, sensitization or recognition of women as a person in need of sexual and reproductive health care impede women's seeking, use and access to health care. However, every woman has the right to regular gynecological examinations and good care. In our study, the breast cancer awareness of visually impaired women and the effect of training based on the health belief model on their ability to perform breast self-examination will be evaluated. The population of the study consists of visually impaired women between the ages of 20-69. The sample of the study was calculated based on Cohen's effect size study.

Taking d (effect size) as 0.8, α= 0.05 and power as 0.95, the experimental group was determined as 42 and the control group as 42 people. G power 3.1 program was used in the calculations. Considering the problems that may occur during the research process, 45 in the experimental group and 45 in the control group, a total of 90 people constitute the sample of the study. As data collection tools; a questionnaire form including sociodemographic data created by the researchers, Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and KKMM Skill Checklist on Model will be used. The data will be analyzed with descriptive analyses in SPSS program and pre-test - post-test comparative analyses will be performed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being visually impaired
* Volunteering to participate in research
* Not having any disability other than visual impairment
* Being knowledgeable individuals who can communicate
* Not being diagnosed with breast cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not being willing to participate in the research
* Not filling out research-related forms completely
* Abandoning the study at any time during the research