Predicting Testicular and Breast Self-examination Behaviour: A test of the Theory of Reasoned Action

Abstract

One aim of this study was to describe attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours concerned with testicular and breast self-examination (TSE, BSE); the second was to test the efficacy of the Ajzen and Fishbein theory of reasoned action in predicting self-examination behaviour. Participants comprised 116 male adults with a mean age of 27.9, and 141 female adults with a mean age of 30.0 years. The sample was relatively well-educated, with over half having engaged in some tertiary studies. They completed a questionnaire assessing self-examination behaviours, intentions, beliefs, attitudes, and perceived norms. Results indicated low rates of self-examination for both TSE and BSE. Barriers to self-examination included embarrassment, perceived unpleasantness and difficulty, concern about reliability, and worries about what the tests might reveal. Respondents perceived only moderate levels of support from salient others for engaging in the self-examinations. The theory of reasoned action was strongly supported by the study, with intentions to perform self-examination being predicted by attitudes and subjective norms, and intentions in turn predicting self-examination behaviours.