Effects of an Integrated Breast Self-Examination Education Program Incorporating Practice with a Wearable Breast Examination Simulator on Breast Cancer Knowledge and Health Beliefs: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Recognizing breast changes and seeking timely medical evaluation are components of breast awareness. This study evaluated the effects of an integrated breast self-examination (BSE) educational intervention incorporating wearable simulator practice on breast cancer knowledge and health beliefs. Methods: This two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included 95 women aged 40 years or older (intervention, n = 49; control, n = 46). The intervention group received an integrated intervention comprising individualized face-to-face education, simulator-supported hands-on practice, printed and electronic educational materials, and monthly reminders over three months. The control group received no intervention. Breast cancer knowledge and health beliefs were assessed at baseline and after three months using the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Knowledge Test and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Results: At three months, after adjustment for baseline scores, the intervention group had higher general knowledge and curability scores than the control group (p < 0.001). For total knowledge, the sensitivity analysis without the interaction favored the intervention group (adjusted mean difference = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.14–4.15; p < 0.001); the interaction analysis was exploratory (p = 0.041). Adjusted perceived benefit, confidence, and health motivation scores were also higher in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: An integrated educational intervention incorporating practice with a wearable breast simulator was associated with higher follow-up scores for breast cancer knowledge, perceived benefits, confidence, and health motivation than no intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06886594).