HEALTH BELİEF MODEL AND BREAST CANSER IN SAKARYA; A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify women breast cancer screening beliefs and practice related to the Health Belief Model. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with women who were admitted for health problems to three of the Family Practice Centers located in Sakarya, Turkey. 310 volunteer participants recruited after informed and verbal consent to participate in the study was obtained. The data were collected using a semi structured self-report questionnaire and Turkish version of Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Results: Mean age of participants was 37.4±11.7 years; 78.1% of them were married; 59.2% were housewives; 65.7% had high education level; 72.5% had child(ren); 49.7% declared to have “good” family income. Breast self examination knowledge (BSE) was reported as “none” by 22.7% women. The mean CHBMS subscales were as follows: the susceptibility subscale of women was 7.8±2.7; the seriousness subscale was 20.3±5.4; the BSE benefit subscale was 15.9±3.3; the BSE barrier subscale was 19.2±5.6; the self-efficacy subscale was 32.9±8.1; the mammography benefit subscale was 18.6±3.9; the mammography barrier subscale was 27.6±7.8; and the health motivation subscale of women was 20.4±3.9. Conclusion: There is strong association between performing BSE and BSE benefits/barriers, and self-efficacy in this study.