Empowering minds: Unveiling determinants of breast cancer information dissemination among non-medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka

Introduction. Breast cancer is a significant global public health concern, and Sri Lanka is no exception. This research employs a survey to identify the critical factors shaping breast cancer information dissemination among non-medical female undergraduates in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review preceded the study, highlighting gaps in understanding information dissemination dynamics within this demographic. Method. Randomly selected 455 non-medical female undergraduates from five state universities in Sri Lanka were used as the sample. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Analysis. A principal component analysis was done to identify the components and factors that affect successful information dissemination within the studied context. Results. The research assesses students' cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioural dimensions concerning breast cancer prevention and early detection, identifying three influencing factors: the Nature of the information, the Inductive effect and/or Motivation of information, and the Fusion of knowledge. Conclusion. Effective dissemination requires customised, transparent, credible content utilising visual aids, timely delivery, and a culturally inclusive, empathetic tone. Initial findings emphasise the imperative for targeted educational interventions to enhance breast cancer awareness among non-medical undergraduates. The insights from this study aim to cultivate a more enlightened and active undergraduate populace, fortifying the collective societal effort to mitigate breast cancer's impact in Sri Lanka.