Prediction of breast self-examination in a sample of Iranian women: an application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

BackgroundIranian women, many of whom live in small cities, have limited access to mammography and clinical breast examinations. Thus, breast self examination (BSE) becomes an important and necessary approach to detecting this disease in its early stages in order to limit its resultant morbidity and mortality. This study examined constructs arising from the Health Belief Model as predictors of breast self examination behavior in a sample of women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran.MethodsThis study was conducted in eight health centers located in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The sample consisted of 240 eligible women who were selected from referrals to the centers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged 30 years and over; and able to read and write Farsi. Women with breast cancer, who were pregnant, or breast feeding, were excluded from the study. Data were collected by using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. This instrument measures the concepts of disease susceptibility (3 items), seriousness (6 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (8 items) and self-efficacy (10 items).ResultsThe subjects' mean age was 37.2 (SD = 6.1) years. Just under a third of the subjects (31.7%) had performed BSE in the past and 7.1% of them performed it at least monthly. Perceived benefits and perceived self-efficacy of the women who performed BSE were significantly higher compared with women who did not practice BSE (p < 0.03). Furthermore, perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that women who perceived fewer barriers (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.63-0.77, p < 0.001) and had higher self-efficacy (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, p = 0.003) were more likely to perform BSE (R2 = 0.52).ConclusionFindings from this study indicated that perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy could be predictors of BSE behavior among the sample of women. Therefore, BSE training programs that emphasize self-efficacy and address perceived barriers are recommended.

Beliefs and Behavior of Malaysia Undergraduate Female Students in a Public University Toward Breast Self-examination Practice

“…This finding was supported by Tavafian et al (2009); women who were more confident in their ability to conduct BSE-subjects with higher self efficacy scores were more likely to perform BSE. Also, this result is in contrast to what was reported in a study among Turkish women regarding perceived benefits; this study concluded that women who perceived more benefits in relation breast self examination, were more likely to engage in the behavior (Gozum and Aydin, 2004).…”

Effect of Direct Education on Breast Self Examination Awareness and Practice among Women in Bolu, Turkey

“…Although BSE awareness is 90% amongst women in developed countries, only 15-40% actually conduct the exams (Friedman, 1994). Tavafian et al (Tavafian, 2009) found that 31.7% of women had performed BSE once, but only 7.1% were practicing it on a regular basis. AlDubai (Al-Dubai et al, 2012) reported that about 55.4% of respondents had performed a BSE, but only 28.5% performed the examination monthly.…”

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

“…It is determined that the low rate of BSE among Iranian women was related to socioeconomic status, lower levels of education, lack of breast cancer knowledge and lack of knowledge regarding the conduct of BSE, and negative family history of breast cancer (Tavafian et al, 2009).…”