Knowledge, Barriers, and Facilitators of Korean Women and Their Spouses in the Contemplation Stage of Breast Self-examination

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of breast self-examination (BSE) in Korean couples in the contemplation stage. The study design was based on assumptions from the Health Belief Model and Transtheoretical Model that contemplators perceiving benefits as greater than barriers are likely to move to the next stage. Participant couples, with wives having never practiced BSE but with an intention to do so, were drawn from churches. Qualitative research was conducted with focus group methodology including both husbands and wives in the groups. Data transcribed from audiotapes were analyzed to identify common themes. Knowledge of breast cancer and BSE included "perceiving risks of getting breast cancer," "behaviors used to stay healthy and detect breast cancer," and "skills in BSE"; barriers to BSE included "lack of sensitivity to breast cancer," "fear of getting bad news," "lack of information," and "shortage of time"; and facilitators of BSE included "making BSE a monthly routine," "continuous systematic interaction from healthcare professionals reaching out to the community," and "encouragement and help from husbands." To improve compliance with BSE, women in the contemplation stage need specific and correct knowledge delivered by diverse materials, reminders, and the inclusion of husbands as facilitators.

Health beliefs and breast self‐examination in a sample of Turkish nursing students and their mothers

“…In other studies, women have reported barriers such as lack of information, fear of finding a mass or cancer, feeling pain, worrying about body image or loss of attractiveness, forgetfulness, prevention by other tasks and time constraints (Ho et al. 2005, Park et al. 2007).…”

“…2005, Howard & Scott‐Findlay 2006). Approximately 30% of breast cancers are self‐discovered through BSE practice (Park et al. 2007).…”

“…2003), income level, health insurance (Secginli & Nahcivan 2006), family or personal history of breast cancer (Petro‐Nustas & Mikhail 2002, Karayurt & Dramali 2007), race, ethnic group, cultural characteristics (Champion & Scott 1997, Haji‐Mahmoodi et al. 2002, Park et al. 2007), knowledge about BSE and breast cancer (Lu 2001, Soyer et al 2007) and health beliefs related to BSE (Foxall et al.…”

Developing and testing an instrument for identifying culture-specific barriers to breast cancer screening in Israeli Arab women

“…The lower participation rates were found related to provision of fewer services, difficulties in accessibility [3,4], poorer socioeconomic situation [5], and lower level of health literacy [6]. Other studies reported unique and culture-specific barriers to screening in different ethnic groups, such as Chinese-Australian [7], African American [8], Korean [9] and Arab [10] women.…”

Evaluation of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Application in First and Second Degree Relatives of Patients with Breast Cancer

“…Thirty percent of women with breast cancer have diagnosed their lumps by themselves through BSE (Park et al, 2007). In their study, Manascievez (2003), Thomas et al (2002) and Smith (2003) have reported that 81.9% of women have diagnosed their own breast tumor by performing BSE (Norman and Brain, 2005).…”