Before and after – the development and assessment of an education intervention about female breast health in rugby union
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21601020 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kilian Bibby (0000-0002-0159-6454, University of Limerick Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences), Tom M Comyns (University of Limerick Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences), Roisin Cahalan (0000-0001-6362-3940, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick), Helen Purtill (0000-0002-3714-4767, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick), Ian C Kenny (0000-0001-6970-4776, University of Limerick Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 126 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 361-377 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-24 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0965-4283 • E-ISSN: 1758-714X |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/he-05-2025-0053 |
| OpenAlex | W4414417758 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 57 |
Purpose A large international study of female Rugby Union athletes has demonstrated that 50% of players have reported a contact breast injury (CBI), exercise-induced breast pain (EIBP) or both. Despite the potential adverse health and performance implications of these occurrences, knowledge and awareness of CBI or EIBP in the female Rugby Union game is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and assess an interactive female-tailored education intervention (EI) addressing this gap. Design/methodology/approach The EI, based on current literature, included videos and multiple-choice questions and was delivered to 61 female Rugby Union players and 7 support staff across various playing levels. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge and awareness were analysed using paired t-tests, and post-EI semi-structured questions explored potential future behaviour change. Findings Awareness of potential future health complications, measured via 5-point Likert-scale, significantly increased for both players and support staff. Players showed the largest effect size (d = 2.30) and a mean difference (MD) of 2.78 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.47, 3.10), support staff demonstrated a similarly strong effect (d = 2.44, MD = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.69, 3.74). Over 98% of players noted that their future behaviour around CBI and EIBP had been positively influenced by the EI, including increased likeliness to report such. Originality/value This work is pioneering in its development and assessment of a sport-specific EI on the underrepresented topic of breast health in women’s Rugby Union. The findings indicate a void of knowledge and awareness around the topic, but reveal high receptiveness and potential future behavioural change amongst participants
Athletes · European union · Football · Health education · Occupational safety and health · Suicide prevention · Team sport · Health and Wellbeing Research · Health disparities and outcomes · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Physical Activity and Health
Single group, pre- and post-test research designs
The qualitative content analysis process
The behaviour change wheel
Statistical Power Analysis
Developing and evaluating complex interventions
Breast Education Improves Adolescent Girls' Breast Knowledge, Attitudes to Breasts and Engagement With Positive Breast Habits
Barriers to Delivering Concussion Education
“Women shouldn’t play rugby” – the gendered and embodied experiences of women players in rugby union
Establishing growth-oriented, caring relationships in sport-based interventions
Content Analysis
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |