Predictors of proficient technique and successful lesion detection in breast self-examination.

Abstract

Seventy-three women attending a health fair completed a questionnaire that measured demographic and health history variables, knowledge, and current practice of breast self-examination (BSE), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC; Wallston, Wallston, & DeVellis, 1978), and components of the Health Belief Model (HBM; Rosenstock, 1974) in relation to breast cancer and BSE. These variables formed the basis of a conceptual model of BSE behavior that was examined by having each woman participate in a behavioral trial with a breast model in which her BSE technique and ability to detect simulated tumors was assessed. Regression analyses revealed that self-confidence in the efficacy of BSE was the best single predictor of proficient BSE. Powerful others HLC, knowledge of correct BSE behaviors, and chance HLC, respectively, also contributed significantly to the variance in performance. As anticipated, successful lesion detection was most strongly associated with more proficient BSE technique and higher frequency of BSE practice in the past six months. Internal HLC scores were not predictive of either behavioral measure. Similarly, except for perceived efficacy of BSE, HBM variables showed no strong relationships to observed behavior.

The influence of fear appeals, message design, and masculinity on men's motivation to perform the testicular self‐exam

“…Men need specific information about the TSE in order to increase the likelihood of performance. Further support for including selfexamination information in health-promoting messages is provided by Alagna and Reddy (1984), who found that knowledge of correct breast self-examination behaviors in women was the best predictor of proficiency in performing the BSE. Craun and Deffenbacher (1981) have already demonstrated that teaching men about self-examination behaviors in a classroom lecture will increase compliance with performance of the TSE.…”

Cancer awareness and self-examination practices in young men and women

“…It is also consistent with Bandura's (1977) self-efficacy theory, the core of which is that individuals' beliefs about their ability to perform a behavior (efficacy expectations) and its associated consequences (outcome expectations) are of primary importance in determining whether the behavior occurs, the amount of effort that goes into it, and whether the behavior persists in the face of difficulties. In a related study, Alagna and Reddy (1984) found that self-confidence in performing breast SE and knowledge about correct SE behaviors were the best predictors of breast SE proficiency.…”

“…Other investigators (Bundek et al, 1993) suggest that internal health locus of control beliefs predict breast self-examination, although the data on this issue are mixed (see Alagna and Reddy, 1984;Krietler et al, 1990;Smith et al, 1990). Social support (Cohen and Syme, 1985;House et al, 1988) and self-efficacy beliefs (Bandura, 1977;Maddux, 1993;O'Leary, 1985) may also play an important role in health-related decisions and actions.…”

Can protection motivation theory predict behaviour? A longitudinal test exploring the role of previous behaviour

“…The importance of self-efficacy has been noted with respect to a range of health-protective behaviours including limiting number of sexual partners (Aspinwall et al, 1991), using condoms during sexual intercourse (Abraham et al, 1994; Van der Velde and Van der Pligt, 1991), taking exercise (Wurtele and Maddux, 1987) as well as in the context of B.S.E. (Alagna and Reddy, 1984;Kegeles, 1985), suggesting that an important issue for health education must be the development and testing of ways to enhance self-efficacy. Wurtele and Maddux (1987) have suggested that self-efficacy may enhance performance even where perceived vulnerability is low.…”

“…performance (e.g. Alagna and Reddy, 1984;Kegeles, 1985). A number of authors have also found significant associations between the perceived benefits components of the model and B.S.E.…”