The Effect of Knowledge of and Attitude to Breast Self-Examination on Female University Students’ Intention to Practice

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to determine the effect of knowledge of and attitude to Breast Self-Examination(BSE) on female university students’ intention to practice. Methods: The subjects were female university students who participated in the Pink Ribbon Campaign of the Korea Breast Health Foundation held at H University on October 11, 2016. The data were collected using a questionnaire in Naver Office Form. The data were analyzed by χ2-test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA and logistic regression model using SPSS 21.0 program. Result: Significant factors influencing the intention to practice were BSE educational experience and the benefits of BSE. The odds ratios were 3.61 and 5.92, respectively. Conclusion: It was found that the benefits of BSE were more influential than the educational experience on BSE as an influencing factors of BSE practice intention. Also, it was confirmed that attitude should be considered more important than knowledge in order to increase their practice intention. Since the benefits, among attitudinal factors, were confirmed as an influencing factor, BSE educational programs for female university students should put more focus on the benefits of BSE, not just sticking to delivering related knowledge.