Breast self-examination training video with the sign language for deaf women: An interventional study

Breast self-examination is an important component for the early detection of breast cancer. The lack of knowledge of deaf women regarding breast examination and screenings may delay diagnosis of breast cancer. The objective of the study is to examine the effect of a video prepared with the sign language giving breast self-examination (BSE) skills to deaf women.

This study used a quantitative, quasi-experimental, comparison group research design. Participants were recruited from the Izmir Association for the Protection and Development of the Deaf, Izmir, Turkey. The research was conducted between March 2018 and March 2019. BSE training video was prepared by the researchers. One group (n = 30) watched a BSE training video with sign language. The other group (n = 30) watched a BSE training video without sign language. After the training video, the BSE Skill Assessment of all women were assessed on a female torso mannequin model using BSE Skill Assessment Form.

The BSE skills of the women who watched the training video with sign language were significantly different from those who watched the training video without sign language (p < 0.05).

The training video with the sign language prepared by the researchers can significantly improve the BSE skills of deaf women.