Exploring Breast Cancer Knowledge: A Study at Torrens University

This report presents a qualitative study exploring the knowledge and attitudes of breast cancer among female students at Torrens University. The research employed interviews with four female students, focusing on their understanding of breast cancer causes, prevention methods, and community perceptions. Data analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis, revealing varying levels of awareness and diverse perspectives on the disease. Key findings include insights into perceived causes such as genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences, as well as prevention strategies like self-examination, screening, and lifestyle modifications. The study also highlights community attitudes towards breast cancer patients and suggests methods for raising awareness through focus groups, social media, and public campaigns. Reflections on the interview techniques and data analysis process are also included, offering insights for future research endeavors. This assignment showcases the application of qualitative research methods in public health, providing valuable insights into breast cancer awareness and attitudes within a specific population. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a wide range of study resources for students.

K N O W L E D G E A N D A T T I T U D E O F B R E A S T C A N C E R
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
METHODS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Reflection of Interview Techniques used
The interviews were set on a university setting of which four
female students were interviewed.
I created my questions based on the research topic
‘Knowledge and attitudes of breast cancer’
Prior to the interview, I selected four female students who
seem to have knowledge of breast cancer and asked for their
consent of which all of them agreed to participate.
I interviewed my study subjects in an enclosed classroom
where there were no noise in order to capture clear answers.
All the participants were interviewed one by one to prevent
borrowing of ideas and to promote privacy.

Reflection of Interview Techniques used
I had a recording device with tapes for recording of conversations. The
recordings were to be transcribed later and compare with written
information to make sure no point was left out. I assured my study subjects
the information will remain private and only I had access to the password of
the recordings.
I also had a pen and an interview sheet where I wrote most of the answers
from the study subjects.
At the beginning of the interview, I created a rapport by greeting the study
subjects, introducing my self, and why I was carrying out the research.
I did not include so many probes to reduce boredom to the study subjects
but only where more clarity and specific information was required. For
instance, how the participants think certain causes of breast cancer
specifically leads to cancer.
I had some refreshment juice during the interview to keep up the morale of
study subjects

Reflection of Interview Techniques used
I selected most of the participants who once had a direct contact with
survivors of breast cancer to get more rigid information.
I included one participant who had direct contact with family member
with breast cancer for more insight.
This made me not to insist on some of the questions like ‘ have you ever
been contact with a person with breast cancer’ since it sounded offensive.
I realized that, including the people who had family members with breast
cancer triggered emotions and thus some of the information or data could
not be collected thoroughly.
I thanked all the study subjects at the end of sessions and assured them
their information was highly helpful.
In future I will try to not include direct victims in my research to avoid
such difficulties.
I will also include various races to have more wide opinions.

Data analysis
I used a thematic content analysis method as a type of qualitative research
analysis tool.
This method was appropriate since it normally involves finding certain patterns
of information with given similar answers across a data set.
In my process of data analysis, I followed the following steps;
1. Familiarizing with the data set which included reading and re-reading the written
interview sheets
2. Transcribing the recorded information to make sure it matches with the
interview sheets information and no data was left out.
3. Coding and labeling the whole context .
4.Searching for themes with wide patterns of meaning.
5. Reviewing and resetting the themes to make sure they fitted the given data set.
6. Defining and naming the retrieved themes.
7. Then finally , I wrote a report on themes with a correct narrative that included
quotes from the study subjects.

Findings
I found that, all the study subject had a general idea of what breast cancer is.
All subjects answered differently regarding the causes and prevention of breast cancer although the answers had
similarities.
Some of the causes of breast cancer from the study subjects include;
1. Inheritance from the family members and age above 40 years
2. Lack of physical activities, smoking tobacco and alcoholism
3. Genetic mutations, use of deodorants and breast implants
4. Previous history of any other type of cancer.
Some of the modes of prevention included;
5. Breast self- examination
6. Frequent and regular breast cancer screening
7. Government interventions through funding of cancer campaigns
8. Frequent physical exercises, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.
Some of the points of how people with breast cancer in the community included;
9. Breast cancer patients are perceived as people with disabilities.
10. Breast cancer patients are normally helped with home -based chores and only given lightweight duties.
Various methods of creating awareness to the community and society included;
11. Creating focus group discussions in the university regarding breast cancer.
12. Use of social media pages like Facebook and Twitter.
13. Broadcasting through televisions and radios
14. Use of government and non-governmental organizations public campaigns.