An investigation of the relationship between female university students' breast cancer risk factors and their health beliefs about breast self-examination.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between female university students' breast cancer risk factors and their health beliefs about breast self-examination (BSE). The sample of this descriptive and correlational study was 389 female students who were determined by stratified sampling method. Data were collected through the Socio-demographic Characteristics and Breast Cancer Risk Factors Determination Form and the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Data obtained from the study were analysed using SPSS for Windows 16.0 program. Data analysis was performed using percentage distributions, z test, and Spearman correlation analysis. Statistical significance was accepted p<0.05. While a positive correlation was detected between students' perceived breast cancer risk for themselves and perceived susceptibility, severity, benefit, self-efficacy related to BSE and health motivation mean scores, a negative and significant correlation was detected with perceived barriers to BSE mean score (p<0.05). Results showed that although female university students had some risk factors in terms of breast cancer, they have low levels of perceived risk factors for themselves.