A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANNED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BREAST CANCER AND IT’S PREVENTION AMONG THE COMMUNITY AREA IN SELECTED COMMUNITIES, BENGALURU

The escalating incidence of breast cancer among Indian women necessitates a robust focus on health literacy and primary prevention as core strategies for reducing mortality. Although early detection is critical, widespread gaps in awareness within local communities often impede the timely identification of symptoms and the adoption of preventive behaviours. This research was conducted to evaluate the baseline knowledge regarding breast cancer and to determine the effectiveness of a Planned Teaching Programme (PTP) among residents in a selected urban community in Bengaluru. Employing a pre-experimental, one-group pre-test post-test design, data were gathered from 50 participants using a validated tool comprising demographic profiles and a 30-item knowledge scale. The statistical analysis utilized frequency distribution, mean percentages, and inferential tests, including the paired t-test and chi-square, to assess the impact of the intervention. The initial assessment revealed that 70% of the subjects possessed inadequate knowledge, while only 6% reached an adequate level prior to the teaching session. Following the implementation of the PTP, a significant shift was observed: 60% of the participants moved into the moderate knowledge category and 26% achieved an adequate score.