Yurt S.Saglam Aksut R.Kadioglu H.2024-07-122024-07-1220190020-813210.1111/inr.125172-s2.0-85067351068https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/inr.12517https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12415/8120Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of peer education about breast cancer screening on the health beliefs of female university students. Background: The breast self-examination method is an effective technique that is also simple and inexpensive. Introduction: In recent years, besides the classic methods of providing education on breast self-examination, it has been observed that the use of the technique of peer education is increasing and more and more studies are being conducted on this method and its effectiveness. Methods: This study is of quasiexperimental design using a single group, pretest/post-test model. The study was conducted with 742 university first-year students. The data for the study were collected using a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire, Peer Education Satisfaction Questionnaire and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Results: It was found that the students’ perception of barriers to performing the breast self-examination had declined and their self-efficacy had increased, and that the level of perceived barriers to having a mammogram had decreased and 98% of the students were satisfied with the peer education. Conclusion: It was seen in this study that the level of knowledge of the students about breast cancer, perceived severity, barriers, benefits and self-efficacy as well as the rate of performing BSE displayed a significant increase after the peer education programme. Implications for nursing and health policy: The method of peer education may be utilized in the effort to increase young women's awareness about breast cancer and ensure that they learn about breast self-examinations. The peer education model can be useful in providing breast self-examination education to young people in school. The results of the present study may be beneficial in developing policies on health education on university campuses. © 2019 International Council of Nurseseninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessBreast CancerEarly DiagnosisHealth BeliefPeer EducationSelf-ExaminationStudentsArticle31184372Q1WOS:000495886500009Q1