This study compared two educational approaches for increasing breast cancer awareness among female employees of Eskisehir Odunpazari Municipality. Participants were randomly assigned to receive education using artificial intelligence-generated educational material, education using expert-developed educational material, or no educational intervention. Breast cancer awareness was assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months after the intervention. The study also assessed participants' digital health literacy.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants were informed about the general purpose of the study but were not informed of their assigned study group or the interventions provided to the other groups.
A structured, question-and-answer educational material was generated using an artificial intelligence chatbot. The chatbot was instructed to produce clear, plain-language content appropriate for the health literacy level of female municipal employees aged 18 years or older and to avoid medical terminology. The material covered the definition of breast cancer; risk factors; signs and symptoms; preventive attitudes; barriers to breast cancer screening; breast cancer awareness-related health behaviors; the timing and performance of breast self-examination; findings requiring attention; and breast cancer treatment methods. The content was transferred to Google Forms and presented in a conversational question-and-answer format. Participants accessed the predefined material through a link or QR code and did not interact with a live chatbot or receive real-time, personalized responses.
Participants received breast cancer awareness education using educational material developed by experts in the relevant field. The educational content covered breast cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, preventive attitudes, barriers to screening, awareness-related health behaviors, breast self-examination, and treatment methods.
Participants received no breast cancer awareness education during the study period. They completed the same assessments as the intervention groups at baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and 2 months after the intervention. After completion of the final assessment, participants were provided with breast cancer awareness education.
Odunpazari, Eskişehir 26060, Turkey (Türkiye)
The Effect of Web-Assisted Peer Education for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer on Health Beliefs, Knowledge Levels and Breast Self-Examination in University Students