Effect of Self Body Exam Guideline on Early Detection of Health Problems among Late Adolescent Females

Abstract

Self body exam guideline is positively enhanced adolescent females' knowledge and practice regarding early detection of their health problem. This study aimed to study the effect of self body exam guideline on early detection of health problems among late adolescent females. The design of the study was an intervention study. The study was conducted at Port-Said City, in Health Technical Institute, and Technical Institute of Nursing Health Insurance. The subjects involved unmarried female student nurse at first academic year 2014 – 2015. Sample size was 63 students. Data were collected by four Tools (a questionnaire sheet for general characteristics-medical history and self body exam knowledge, performance checklists for student contained; a standard practice list for breast self examination-Assessment of degree of hirsutism & A physical assessment checklist, follow up card and student nurses' satisfaction sheet). The study results revealed that there was a statistical significant difference between pre-intervention program compared to post 1 month and post 2 months regarding knowledge and practice regarding self body exam. Also, there were many health problems discovered by self body exam for example; female genital problems, infections, skin, and urinary disorders which represented 6.3%, 9.5%, 14.3% and 12.7% respectively. Additionally, most of female health problems were treated after referral for medical care. The study concluded that an instructional supportive guideline about self body exam was positively enhanced adolescent females' knowledge and practice regarding early detection of health problems. The researcher recommended integrating self body exam guide line in adolescent schools. Further researches are still needed to explore the barriers that confront practice of self body exam among adolescence.