Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a measurement instrument for assessing knowledge of breast cancer and perceived risk of developing the disease (MARA).Methods641 women with a mean age of 36.19 years (SD = 7.49) participated in the study. Data collection took place during 2019 and included sociodemographic data, data on history of cancer and breast cancer, perceived risk, and feelings of concern about developing breast cancer. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and structural validity were tested.ResultsThe questionnaire items comprise 4 subscales: risk factors (9 items), signs and symptoms (9 items), perceived risk (6 items), barriers (7 items). A factor analysis revealed that the first two subscales had two dimensions each, whereas the other two subscales had one dimension each. Each subscale was shown to have adequate reliability (α = 0.74–0.92) and temporal stability (r = 0.201–0.906), as well as strong evidence of validity in relation to a questionnaire on breast cancer knowledge (r = 0.131–0.434). In addition, the subscales were shown to have high discriminatory power in terms of the presence or absence of a history of cancer or breast cancer, perceived risk, and feelings of concern.ConclusionThe MARA questionnaire represents a valid, reliable tool for assessing Spanish women’s knowledge, risks, perceptions, and barriers regarding breast cancer.
Highlights
A large proportion of the most prevalent conditions of our time are associated with unhealthy behaviors
According to the health belief model (HBM), the follow‐ ing factors influence whether or not a person makes behav‐ ioral changes when faced with a potential risk of developing a condition: their perception of the severity of the condi‐ tion, their susceptibility to the condition, the benefits that a change in behavior will have on prevention of the condition, and the perceived difficulties in implementing the recom‐ mended changes in behavior [2]
Being able to assess the knowledge of risk factors related to breast cancer, signs and symptoms of breast cancer, per‐ ceived individual risk of developing breast cancer, the ability to engage in preventive behaviors, and barriers to breast cancer prevention can help healthcare workers to meet women’s needs in relation to breast cancer prevention and create targeted pre‐ vention plans
Summary
A large proportion of the most prevalent conditions of our time are associated with unhealthy behaviors. When an individual has adequate knowledge, they may have greater motivation and reflective capacity, which could positively influence their intention to change their behavior [3] For these reasons, the availability of a tool for assessing an individual’s perceived risk, ability to engage in preven‐ tive behaviors, and knowledge about a particular condition is essential so that disease prevention and health promotion. Being able to assess the knowledge of risk factors related to breast cancer, signs and symptoms of breast cancer, per‐ ceived individual risk of developing breast cancer, the ability to engage in preventive behaviors, and barriers to breast cancer prevention can help healthcare workers to meet women’s needs in relation to breast cancer prevention and create targeted pre‐ vention plans This would help women to become aware of their own health status
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