IMPACT OF HEALTH EDUCATION INTEVENTION ON BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL OF NURSING SCIENCE, YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Nigeria, largely due to late detection of the disease..Breast self-examination (BSE) is a low-cost strategy for the early identification of abnormalities; however, knowledge and regular practice among young women remain suboptimal. This study aimed to determine the effect of a structured health education intervention on self-examination knowledge and practice in breast self-examination among female undergraduate nursing students in the Adamawa State School of Nursing Science, Yola, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design was employed. Fifty (n = 50) female nursing students were selected. Data were collected using a validated breast self-examination knowledge and practice questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.82 for knowledge; 0.79 for practice)..The experimental group received a one-week structured health education program that included lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test at a significance level of p < 0.05.Baseline knowledge scores were low to moderate across academic levels (ND I mean = 5.25; ND II = 5.75; HND I = 6.27).Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group following the intervention (ND I = 7.30; ND II = 8.00; HND I = 7.27).The overall mean score increased from 5.36 to 7.40 (mean difference = 2.04).the independent sample t-test showed a statistically significant improvement (t = 10.80, p < 0.05).A positive relationship was observed between knowledge gain and practice improvement. Structured health education significantly improves BSE knowledge and practice among nursing students. Integrating breast health education into nursing curricula may enhance early detection of breast cancer and strengthen community health promotion in Northern Nigeria.