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Omrani, Atefeh, Smith, J, Wakefield-Scurr, Joanna and Brown, Nicola (2019) Support for sport: Short and long-term impact of a breast education intervention on adolescent girls’ breast knowledge and attitudes to breasts. In: Pushing Boundaries: Women in Sport and Exercise Conference, 12 June, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Abstract

Only 12% of UK 14-year-old girls meet physical activity guidelines. In our survey study with >2,000 girls, 46% of girls reported that their breasts affected their sports participation and73% reported ≥ one breast-specific concern in sports, with breast bounce being most prevalent. Furthermore, 26% of girls reported negative feelings about their breasts and 87% want to learn more about their breasts. This study aims to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of a 50-minute comprehensive breast education intervention on girls’ breast knowledge and attitudes towards breasts and breast issues. A mixed method, controlled, longitudinal-cohort-design was employed: two control schools (receiving no intervention) and two intervention schools (receiving the intervention) participated in the study. All four schools completed a validated breast survey pre- and post-intervention, as well as three and six months after the intervention. Additionally, in one intervention school, six focus groups were conducted post-intervention and ~four months after the intervention. Analysis of survey data established the short- and longterm positive impact of the intervention; participants in the intervention schools (n = 375) significantly improved their breast knowledge, and their attitudes towards breasts over a sixmonth period, compared to participants in the control schools (n = 412). The focus group findings supported the survey results. Participants described the session as informative and it made them feel less embarrassed about their breasts; they also reported wanting to do more exercise. These findings demonstrate the positive impact of the intervention which may have the potential to impact policy change and inform education guidelines.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
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Depositing User: Ati Omrani
URI: https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/19674

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19674

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ORCID for Atefeh Omrani

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Date Deposited
23 Dec 2025 10:10
Last Modified
23 Dec 2025 10:10

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Author
J Smith
Author
Joanna Wakefield-Scurr
Author
Nicola Brown

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