Breast Cancer Knowledge, Practice of BSE, and Prevention Behaviors of Student Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Structural Equation Modeling on a Nationwide Scale

Introduction : Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment, early detection and prevention remain crucial for improving outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of knowledge on the relationship between preventive behaviors and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among student nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 female nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire through a Google Form. Data collection was conducted between January and February 2024. Results: The nursing students in Saudi Arabia exhibited moderate to high levels of knowledge (average score: 12.42), practice (average score: 12.30), and prevention behaviors (average score: 122.35) related to breast cancer. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practice (r=0.591, p<0.001), knowledge and prevention behaviors (r=0.764, p<0.001), and practice and prevention behaviors (r=0.460, p<0.001). Moreover, structural equation modeling confirmed the mediating role of knowledge in the relationship between preventive behaviors and breast self-examination practice (β=0.340, p<0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge is helpful in influencing practice as well as preventive behaviors, thereby having an impact on the health positively. This undertaking highlights the effect of knowledge as an important mediator of the practice of breast self-examination and preventive behaviors which calls for the need to improve knowledge through educational intervention. Nursing students stand to gain from enhanced knowledge and practice of regular self-examination as well as educating the masses on the prevention of breast cancer.