Health beliefs associated with breast cancer screening among Arab women in the Northeastern United States

Abstract

The health beliefs associated with breast self-examination (BSE) in Arab women were investigated through a pilot study of 96 women. Participants completed demographic items and a questionnaire based on Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Age and knowledge of breast tumors and BSE were correlated with past and current practice of BSE. Current practitioners of BSE had higher confidence and motivation and perceived fewer barriers and more benefits with respect to performing BSE than non-practitioners. Most BSE practitioners did not practice every month. Our data suggest that, for BSE to effectively alert women when a clinical breast examination is needed, women need to be educated about breast tumors and more frequent performance of BSE.