Breast Self-Examination: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Female Health Care Workers in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the knowledge of breast cancer, attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE), and practice of BSE among a sample of female health care workers in Tehran, Iran. Using a purposed questionnaire, a total of 410 women from seven health centers completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 32.9 years (SD = 9.5), most (58%) were married, and family history of breast cancer was reported by 11%. Seventy-five percent of the women knew about breast cancer prevalence, but only 27% knew that breast pain is not a symptom of breast cancer. Although 73% of women did know that contact with a relative with breast cancer could not lead to development of breast cancer, the respondents' knowledge of risk factors of breast cancer was not satisfactory. With regard to women's attitudes toward BSE, the majority believed that it is not difficult and time consuming or troublesome (63% and 72%, respectively). Sixty-three percent of the respondents claimed that they know how to examine their breasts, but only 6% performed BSE monthly. The practice of BSE was significantly associated with age (p = 0.01), the level of education (p < 0.0001), personal history of breast problems (p < 0.0001), and knowledge of how to examine the breasts (p < 0.0001). The study findings suggest that the knowledge and behaviors of female health care workers concerning breast cancer is relatively poor and it needs to be improved. Considering the role that health care workers may play in communicating health behaviors to the general public, planning health education interventions for this group of females is essential.

Health Beliefs and Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors among Iranian Female Health Workers

“…In another Turkish (185) No (256) Yes (40) No (401 (Karahan et al, 2006). In contrast of our study result, Haji-Mahmoodi et al, have found that that only 6% of female health care workers in Tehran performed BSE monthly (Haji-Mahmoodi et al, 2002). In a Norwegian study Rosvold et al, have reported that only 25.6% female workers performed monthly BSE (Rosvold et al, 2001).…”

Effect of Family Income on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Breast Cancer and its Screening Methods Amongst Women of Lahore, Pakistan

“…breast cancer, its screening and risk factors increasing as the monthly household income increased. Similar cases have been reported for most Asian and African countries (Rashidi and Rajaram, 2000;Haji-Mahmoodi et al, 2002;Okobia et al, 2006;Heidari et al, 2008).…”

“…The lack of knowledge, however, did not always present as the reason for the lack of BSE practice. Studies among the nurses of Lagos, Nigeria; school teachers of Buraidah, Saudia and lady health workers of Tehran, Iran suggested that regardless of women being educated in the field of science, they had little knowledge of the breast cancer screening methods (Odusanya, 2001;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Haji-Mahmoodi et al, 2002).…”

Factors that Influence Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening among Arab Women in Qatar: Results from a Cross Sectional Survey

“…Studies indicate that doctors often do not offer BCS services to women. Other health care providers (HCP) might not have adequate knowledge of BCS and risk factors related to breast cancer in the Middle East, thus limiting their ability to encourage patients to engage in BCS activities (Bener et al, 2001;Haji-Mahmoodi, 2002;Madanat and Merrill, 2002;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;Alkhasawneh et al, 2009;Jaradeen, 2010;El Hajj and Hamid, 2011). Previous studies in the region indicate low participation rates in breast cancer screening activities among women (Bener et al, 2001;Bener et al, 2002;Azaiza and Cohen, 2008;Bener et al, 2009).…”

“…Accurate and varied sources of information about breast health and BCS from health care providers (especially physicians), mass media, and social networks can positively influence women's knowledge and practice of BCS (Al-Qattan, et al, 2007;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Montazeri, et al, 2008;Hoffman et al, 2010). Facilitators of BCS behavior include having support from male relatives, receiving information about breast cancer or BCS from health care professionals (HCP) other than doctors, and having a doctor's recommendation (Haji-Mahmoodi, 2002;Madanat and Merrill, 2002;Cohen and Azaiza, 2005;Azaiza and Cohen, 2006;Shirazi et al, 2006;Dandash and Al-Mohaimeed, 2007;Dow Meneses and Yarbro, 2007;El Saghir et al, 2007;Alkhasawneh et al, 2009;Gürsoy et al, 2009;Jaradeen, 2010;El Hajj and Hamid, 2011).…”