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@article{200249,
        author = {Aparna H and Anakha Ajith and Prasanth Cherian Kochuveetil},
        title = {Assessing the Impact of a Mobile App Exposure on Breast Self-Examination Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Behavioural Intention Among Housewives in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {3859-3869},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=200249},
        abstract = {Purpose — This study aims to assess whether structured exposure to the Know Your Lemons mobile application improves Breast Self-Examination (BSE) knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavioural intention among housewives in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where breast cancer screening participation remains critically low.
Design/methodology/approach — A pre-post intervention design was employed using purposive sampling among housewives aged 30–60 years. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measuring BSE awareness, technique knowledge, practice frequency, and barriers. The study was grounded in Champion's Health Belief Model and the Technology Acceptance Model.
Findings — Despite a majority of participants having heard of BSE, very few practised it regularly. The key barrier was insufficient technique knowledge rather than lack of general awareness. Following app exposure, participants reported significantly increased BSE confidence, improved understanding of breast cancer symptoms, and stronger intention to seek medical consultation upon detecting a change. The app was rated highly usable, and a notable preference for Malayalam-language content was identified among a substantial portion of participants.
Originality/value — This study provides empirical support for mHealth-based BSE interventions targeting urban homemakers in South India. It demonstrates that skill-focused, reminder-integrated digital tools are more effective than conventional awareness campaigns alone, and advocates for culturally and linguistically localised app adaptations to strengthen community-level breast cancer prevention in Kerala.},
        keywords = {Breast Self-Examination, mHealth, Know Your Lemons®, Health Belief Model, self-efficacy, breast cancer screening, Kerala, housewives, Technology Acceptance Model.},
        month = {May},
        }