Development and process evaluation of a Breast Awareness program

Abstract

Purpose
This paper describes the process of developing a Breast Awareness program, implementation and process evaluation, as a part of midwifery practice.
Method
Evaluation study. We developed a Breast Awareness program to introduce the concept of Breast Awareness particularly breast cancer awareness to lactating women. The program was guided by the concept of health promotion program development that has a circular process including: needs assessment, program planning, program implementation and process evaluation. This program implementation was conducted twice with five lactating women whose babies were nearly weaned participating in each program.
Results
Elements of the program were extracted by analyzing a breast cancer health issue in the needs assessment. In this segment, the contributing risk factors (predisposing, enabling and reinforcing) were clarified.
Program purpose, sub-objects and strategic objects were indicated during program planning segment. Three program objects of participants were educed: (1) consider own breast as an important part of own body, (2) derive correct information about breast cancer, (3) knows and understands the aim of Breast Awareness, and a definite plan was selected to achieve those objectives. Five Breast Awareness codes formed the focal points of the program: 1) know what is normal for you, 2) look and feel, 3) know what changes to look for, 4) report any changes without delay, 5) attend breast screening if aged 50 (In case of Japan, if aged 40) or over (Department of Health, United Kingdom). The program was executed with a participatory approach, a lecture, demonstration and then mainly discussion. The program was revised after the second implementation and process evaluation.
Considerations
Three points were discussed: strategic significance of health promotion program development, consequential elements and tasks of the Breast Awareness program as a midwifery practice, and a recommendation to introduce Breast Awareness to women as an important component of women's health care.