This action research using technical-collaborative approach was applied to develop a culturally sensitive educational programme to increase the perception, self-efficacy, and practice of Thai Moslem women regarding breast self-examination (BSE). Three phases of research process including rapid assessment, programme development and programme evaluation were conducted among three groups of participants. The groups included two primary health care providers, sixteen Moslem village health volunteers, and 165 Moslem women.
The rapid assessment revealed information in existing BSE promotion campaign, and BSE practice and issues related to BSE practice among Thai Moslem women. These were concerned in the programme development phase. Three essential programme components became apparent: 1) the health messenger, who gives BSE information to the villagers, should be a Thai Moslem woman, accepted by the villagers as being knowledgeable and skilful on BSE, and with the ability to manage small group activities; 2) BSE information should be culturally appropriate; and 3) BSE training through motivation and appropriate activities.
The programme was implemented among Thai Moslem women in the village. The results showed statistically significant differences between pre- and post-test findings for the perceived benefits of BSE (p < .05), perceived barriers of doing BSE (p < .001), BSE self-efficacy (p < .001), BSE proficiency (p < .001), and BSE practice (p < .001). The BSE practice among Thai Moslem women rose from 18.4% to 92.0%. This research exemplifies the need for development and implementation of a culturally sensitive educational programme for delivering preventive health information to Thai Moslem women and could guide nurses in working with any culturally diverse population.