A TEACH-BACK APPROACH TO INCREASE BREAST CANCER KNOWLEDGE IN WOMEN WITH LOW HEALTH LITERACY: AN INTERVENTION STUDY

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Teach Back" technique in increasing breast cancer knowledge among women with limited health literacy. Method: This research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study is planned to be conducted with individuals who applied to the KETEM unit of Healthy Life Center No. 1, affiliated with the Karabağlar District Health Directorate in İzmir. Data will be evaluated for normality; dependent samples t-test will be used for pre- and post-education comparisons, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be used if normality is not achieved. Baseline differences between the experimental and control groups will be analyzed with independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and categorical variables will be analyzed with the Chi-square test. In the study, the experimental group will receive breast cancer education in groups of 5, consisting of 20-minute sessions with a 4-week interval, presented in simple language avoiding medical jargon, and the education content will be re-explained by the participants in their own words. These sessions will consist of general content such as breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. 1. What are the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer? 2. The importance of early detection of breast cancer (BSE, clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography). 3. What are the treatment options for breast cancer? (Surgical methods, systemic treatments (endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy), and radiotherapy) (Kiyat \& Akyüz, 2024; Uçkaç, 2022; Altu et al., 2023; Hosseinifar, Afkhamzadeh \& Moayeri, 2024). The control group will be educated using existing educational materials used by the Ministry of Health. The content of these trainings will consist of topics such as breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. The Teach Back technique will not be applied to the control group.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

80 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* • Women over 18 years of age,

  * Having a health literacy score below 25 on the Turkish Health Literacy Scale.
  * Not having a diagnosed mental, visual, or learning disability by a physician.
  * Not having previously participated in any research project on breast health/breast education.
  * Being able to communicate verbally.
  * Not having breast cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Having a previous diagnosis of breast cancer. • Having cognitive impairments that may prevent participation in the study. • Having hearing or visual impairments that may negatively affect participation and interaction in the training process. • Lack of sufficient language proficiency to understand the training materials.