Breast Health Education

Proposal - Preschool Project

Chapter 1

Abstract

No studies have examined how young children can positively change their parents’ knowledge and practice related to breast health. This pilot study utilized performance of preschoolers in promotion of breast health guidelines. The study involved 4 preschools with students mostly from the immigrant Chinese community. Prior to the investigation, Chinese Hospital, located in San Francisco, granted the IRB approval. The purpose of the study was to explore if young children’s performance could be an effective venue in delivering health messages to their parents and relatives. The primary aim of the study was to assess whether preschooler’s performance is an effective tool in promoting breast health to Chinese American women. The secondary aim was to explore the associating factors with participants’ knowledge, intention, practice and attentiveness. The study involved a convenience sample of 177 women. A pre and post- tests were used in data collection. The Stages of the Precaution Adoptions Process Model (PAPM) was employed as the theoretical framework. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 12.0, logistical regression models and t test to assess whether preschooler’s performance is an effective tool in promoting breast health to Chinese American women by exploring the associating factors with participants’ knowledge, intention, practice and attentiveness.

Introduction

Relatively few investigators have embarked on empirical studies of how young children can positively influence their parents’ knowledge on health and their practice related to preventive care. Numerous studies have investigated parental influence on children’s health practice and behavior (Brown, R., & Ogden, J. 2004, Okada et. al. 2002 & Johannsen, Johannsen, & Specker, 2006). Traditionally, the caregiver, generally the mother, is expected to assume primary responsibility for changing the behavior of the child and other family members through education and their role modeling (Evans et al (2001). However no study, to my knowledge, has been conducted involving young children to influence adults’ attitude toward their practices related to early detection of cancer.

Research Problem Statement

Research has demonstrated that use of media in promotion of breast health guidelines has increased awareness of breast cancer and promoted early detection and treatment of breast cancer among immigrant communities. However, no study has been done involving young children to influence their relatives' attitude toward breast health practice.

Hypothesis

• Participants who attended the preschoolers’ performance will gain knowledge on breast health guidelines

• Participants who attended the preschoolers’ performance will express increased intention to adhere to breast health guidelines

• Participants who attended the preschoolers’ performance will express increased attentiveness to the breast health message delivered via the performance compared to those that are delivered by conventional channels

Purpose

To explore if young children’s performance could be an effective venue in delivering health messages to their parents and relatives

Primary Aim

To assess whether preschooler’s performance is an effective tool in promoting breast health to Chinese American women

Secondary Aims

To explore the associating factors with participants’ knowledge, intention, practice and attentiveness

Theoretical Framework

My research project involves only quantitative approach. The communication-behavior change model will be the theoretical framework for the investigation. Davies & Macdowall (2006) suggested that health promotion interventions are most effective if targeted individuals and communities are engaged in the issues to be addressed. The strategies used should clearly communicate the message to intended audience. The communication –behavior change model formed in 1989 to design and direct public education campaigns.

Limitations

The data collected is based on a convenience sample of Chinese American women who may not be representative of the Chinese women with young children in the San Francisco Bay Area. Therefore, the findings will be limited to women who participated in the study.

Potential Significance of Research

The study provided opportunities to gathering preliminary data for a larger study on the effectiveness of utilizing young children‘s performance to deliver health messages to their parents and relatives and to improve health promotion program by incorporating the usage of young children's performance as part of health promotion effort.

Chapter 2

Background

Most parents and grandparents adore their children and pay close attention to their wellbeing at school. In the Chinese community, nearly all-family members have great respect for the schools and are appreciative of the work of the teachers. Hence, it is a common practice for Chinese preschools to hold specially performance during graduation ceremony and specially events. As part of presentation, preschoolers would recite Chinese poems and songs and performing for their parents and relatives. Virtually all parents and close relatives of the preschoolers would make an effort to attend such function and pay close attention to their children’s performance. Therefore, it would seem that such performance could be an excellent opportunity and environment to deliver health messages to parents and relatives of preschoolers. Parents and relatives are likely to receive the health message, particularly when the school and reputable health care organizations endorse the event. The preschoolers may not fully grasp the specific content in the messages, but they are aware of simple concepts such as sickness and checkups, especially if child development experts reviewed the message and the methods of conveying.

Literature Review – Many successful interventions ---Yet still low screening rate ---Therefore use children’s performance Child –parents Therefore,