Champion Health Belief Model Scale Research Articles

Relationship of fear and fatalism with breast cancer screening among women using health belief model

Despite the potential benefits of screening in discovering breast cancer, many women still do not follow recommended screening regimens. Fear of cancer detection and fatalistic beliefs were identified by previous studies as the main reasons given by women for noncompliance with breast cancer screening. The aim of this descriptive study is to explore relationship of fear and fatalism with breast cancer screening among a convenience sample of 136 women recruited during their visit to the Gynecology Clinic at the Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. The study tool consists of four parts: (1) Bio-sociodemographic information; (2) Champion Breast Cancer Fear Scale (CBCFS); (3) Powe Fatalism Inventory (PFI); (4) abridged version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). The findings revealed that only 3.7% and 14.7% of women practiced regular breast self-examination and had previously had mammography, respectively. Negative correlations were found between fatalism and health beliefs; and between fear and health belief. A positive correlation was found between fatalism and fear. The findings of this study add some experimental support for the relationships between fear, fatalism, and breast cancer screening behavior. Â

Survey of Breast Self-Exam and Mammography Compliance among Female Healthcare Workers in Aq Qala City, Iran

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The objective of this study was to determine the breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography compliance based on health belief model constructs among female healthcare workers in the city of Aq Qala. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study between November 2015 and February 2016 in Aq Qala city, northern Iran. In this regard, we selected 261 female healthcare workers through census. Data were gathered using Rakowski’s stages of change and Champion health belief model scale. We entered the collected data into SPSS 16 and analyzed them via descriptive statistical techniques along with Kruskal- Wallis, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed that 26.4 % of the participants performed regular BSE and 19.3% underwent regular mammogram. Those with regular BSE had significantly more health motivation and self-efficacy (P≤0.05). Physicians had more susceptibility and self-efficacy for BSE and less BSE barriers (P≤0.05). There was a negative correlation between BSE confidence and barriers (r=-0.376). The results of binary logistic regression revealed that confidence was the only variable influencing BSE (OR=1.77, 95% CI=1.22, 2.572). Conclusion: Almost one-fourth of female healthcare workers of Aq Qala performed regular BSE. Moreover, one-fifth of women over 40 years of age underwent regular mammograms. Participants who performed regular BSE had higher health motivation, BSE self-efficacy, and lower perceived barriers. BSE adherence was more in physicians than in other groups. We recommend increasing confidence to surmount the barriers to perform BSE.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Prehospital Delay and Health Belief in Chinese Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

The objective of this study was to describe prehospital delay and health beliefs in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer. A total of 756 adult Chinese patients with a first-time diagnosis of colorectal cancer were recruited during 2016 in Guangzhou, China. All patients completed the Chinese-language version of a questionnaire developed specifically for this study as well as the Chinese-language version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale. The results of this study showed that the median length of the prehospital delay was 12 weeks and that the average delay was 18.29 (SD = 14.66) weeks. The rate of prehospital delay was 47.35%. The score of health beliefs among these patients was 115.56 (SD = 9.00) and the average score of the entries was 3.21 (SD = 0.25). Health beliefs about colorectal cancer were negatively correlated with prehospital delay. A multiple logistic regression showed that the level of health beliefs, frequency of physical examinations, occupation, and the site of the cancer were the major factors influencing prehospital delay (p < .05). The patients had a low rate of physical examination (41.40%), and colorectal cancer screening was not routine prior to their physical examination. This study showed that the incidence of prehospital delay among Chinese patients with colorectal cancer was 47.35%. Multiple factors influenced prehospital delay among Chinese patients with colorectal cancer.

Application of health education using new media in nursing outside the hospital among colon cancer patients

Objective To explore the effects of health education using new media in nursing outside the hospital among colon cancer patients. Methods From January 2016 to December 2018, this study selected 86 colon cancer patients at Nanyang Central Hospital as subjects by convenience sampling. A total of 43 patients between January 2016 to June 2017 were in control group, and 43 patients from July 2017 to December 2018 were in observation group. Control group carried out health education outside the hospital, while observation group implemented health education using new media outside the hospital for six months. The effects were compared with the knowledge need questionnaire for cancer patients, Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) and the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPPH) . Results Six months after discharge, the scores of knowledge need questionnaire of patients in observation group and control group were (41.24±7.64) and (51.94±9.62) respectively (t=5.712, P<0.01) ; the score of CHBMS of patients in observation group and control group were (118.10±31.53) and (92.20±28.23) respectively (t=4.013, P<0.01) ; and the score of SUPPH of patients in observation group and control group were (98.37±17.17) and (80.45±17.45) respectively (t=4.800, P<0.01) ; the differences were all statistical. Conclusions The application of health education using new media in nursing outside the hospital among colon cancer patients can improve patients' health knowledge need, rebuild the health belief and increase self-management efficacy. Key words: Colonic neoplasms; New media; Health education; Nursing outside the hospital

Effects of "hospital-community-family" model in continuous nursing among diabetics

Objective To explore the effects of hospital-community-family continuous nursing model in continuous nursing among diabetics. Methods From February 2018 to February 2019, a total of 102 diabetic out-patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of South Medical University were selected by stratified random sampling. Patients were divided into control group and observation group with the random number table, 51 cases in each group. Control group carried out routine follow-up nursing. Observation group implemented hospital-community-family continuous nursing. We compared the fasting blood glucose (FBG) , 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2h PG) , glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) , scores of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) , Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-Ⅱ (HPLP-Ⅱ) and Quality of Life Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DMQLS) of two groups before and after intervention. Results After intervention, the FBG, 2 h PG and HbA1c of observation group were (7.11±1.25) mmol/L, (9.15±1.24) mmol/L and (8.15±0.59) % respectively lower than those [ (8.56±1.31) mmol/L, (11.21±1.35) mmol/L and (10.99±1.12) %]of control group with statistical differences (t=5.719, 8.026, 16.022; P<0.05) . After intervention, the scores of CHBMS, HPLP-Ⅱ and DMQLS of observation group were (4.16±0.34) , (4.09±0.35) and (165.24±5.21) respectively higher than those [ (3.52±0.42) , (3.24±0.41) and (154.18±4.39) ]of control group with statistical differences (t=8.458, 11.260, 11.593; P<0.05) . Conclusions Application of hospital-community-family continuous nursing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus helps the glucose control, improves health belief, health behavior and quality of life which is worthy of being used widely in clinical application. Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Glucose control; Continuous nursing; Hospital-community-family

Application of the Champion Health Belief Model to determine beliefs and behaviors of Turkish women academicians regarding breast cancer screening: A cross sectional descriptive study

BackgroundBreast cancer is an important cancer type and the most common malignancy among women in both developed and developing countries and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. This study aimed to examine the projected risk of breast cancer in Turkish women academician, determine the levels of their breast cancer screening behaviors and uncover the relationship between their health beliefs and screening behaviors.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from March to July 2018 in the province of Aydın, Turkey with a total of 200 female academicians. The data were collected using questionnaires filled out by the participants and the Turkish version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Data were analyzed using t test, ANOVA, Chi-square and logistic regression performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.ResultsThe mean age of the female academics was 36.1 ± 0.53 years. The female performing breast self-examination had higher perceived sensitivity (OR = 2.88, 95% Cl 1.32, 2.66) benefits to breast self-examination (OR = 0.90, 95% Cl 0.82, 0.99), self-efficacy (OR = 0.87, 95% Cl 0.81, 0.93) health motivation (OR = 1.74, 95% Cl 0.50, 0.90), benefit to mammography (OR = 0.97, 95% Cl 0.88, 1.08), lower barrier to mammography (OR = 1.05, 95% Cl 1.0, 1.09) than women who did not. Female academics with clinical breast examination had higher self-efficacy (OR = 0.91, 95% Cl 0.86, 0.97) and lower barrier to mammography (OR = 1.06, 95% Cl 1.02, 1.10) than women who did not. The female with take mammography had higher sensitivity (OR = 0.84, 95% Cl 0.72, 0.98), lower barrier to breast self-examination (OR = 1.08, 95% Cl 1.02, 1.15) and lower barrier to mammography (OR = 1.09, 95% Cl 1.04, 1.14) than female who did not.ConclusionsFemale academicians in Turkey exhibit positive attitudes towards breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography as they have higher perceived sensitivity against breast cancer, self-efficacy and fewer barriers. Long-term community-based programs should be extended to different groups of women from a variety of socio-demographic environments.

Testicular Cancer Preventive Behavior among Nursing Males' Students: Intervention Guidelines

Context: Testicular cancer is the most common form of urogenital cancers among young men aged between 20–40 years. The incidence of testicular cancer is rapidly increasing. It is highly curable when detected and treated early. &#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intervention guidelines on preventive behaviors among nursing males' students.&#x0D; Methods: A quasi-experimental study conducted at the technical institute of Beni-Suef university through the academic year (2018-2019). A convenient sample of (250) student male nurses have included in this study. Tools of data collection were a self-administrated questionnaire; Champion Health Belief Model Scale; testicular self-examination checklist, and student follow up card.&#x0D; Results: The current study revealed a mean age of students was 18.45 ± 1.65. The study showed that there was a significant increase in the mean score of satisfactory knowledge about testicular cancer and its preventive behaviors during follow up post-application of the intervention guideline at (p=0.001). Furthermore, an improvement in the testicular self-examination practices at post-intervention and follow (p=0.001). A statistically significant correlation revealed between the student nurses knowledge, practice, and preventive health believes and behaviors.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that intervention guideline designed based on the health belief model has a positive effect on promoting testicular cancer-preventive behaviors of student male nurses by improving their knowledge, practices, and health beliefs and behaviors. The study recommended dissemination of intervention guidelines among males at a different stage of life started from adolescents to reduce the risk of testicular cancer and its consequences on males reproductive health. Integrate the concept of TSE as a screening procedure for early detection of testicular cancer and other testicular disorders into the undergraduate curriculum of nursing faculties. Further research required to investigate barriers influencing the practice of testicular self-examination among Egyptian males.

Using the Stage-Based Approaches to Predict Breast Self-Examination Among Rural Vietnamese Women.

A stages-of-change approach would be helpful to understand cancer screening behaviors. This study aimed to identify the compliance and determinants of breast self-examination (BSE) based on transtheoretical model (TTM) and health belief model (HBM). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 296 rural Vietnamese women using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of Champion's HBM scales, breast cancer knowledge (BCK), integrated connection to neighborhood storytelling networks (ICSN), and TTM stages of BSE. A generalized ordered logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with TTM stages of BSE. About 61% of women did not currently perform BSE. Perceived benefit was significant in all stages changes. When changing to the action stage, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and BCK were significant. When changing to the maintenance stage, perceived susceptibility, benefits, self-efficacy, and ICSN were significant. Determinants influencing BSE behavior were different in each TTM stage, indicating that educational programs should be introduced with stage-matched strategies to increase BSE.

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

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.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Beliefs in Malaysia: A Population-Based Survey

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth major cause of cancer deaths globally; in Malaysia, CRC is the second most common cancer in both males and females. Low awareness of cancer delays help-seeking and contributes to late presentation, poor detection and survival. Aim: We aim to investigate the level of colorectal cancer awareness and beliefs among the Gombak district population of Malaysia as part of a larger study designed to evaluate a cancer awareness-raising campaign. Methods: A survey of colorectal cancer awareness was conducted in Rawang (Gombak district, Selangor) between January and March 2018. This district is representative of a mix of ethnicities, age groups, education levels and income groups. A total of 4000 households were selected randomly from a list of all households by the Government Department of Statistics Malaysia to attain a sample size of 730 adults as indicated by our power calculation and taking potential refusals into account. Trained enumerators randomly selected eligible adults aged over 40 years old from each household and conducted an interview that included sociodemographic information as well as the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM), the Attitudes and Beliefs about Cancer questionnaire (ABC) and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) which were validated in Malaysia. Results: Data collection for this part of the larger study was completed in March. Currently, we are cleaning and entering the survey data into a database in preparation for statistical analysis including χ2 tests of association and logistic regression. The results of the analysis will be presented at the conference. Conclusion: This analysis will provide the first profile of awareness and beliefs about colorectal cancer among the Gombak district population of Malaysia.

Effects of health education video based on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice model in patients with initial stroke

Objective To explore the effects of health education video based on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) model in patients with initial stroke. Methods A total of 146 patients with initial stroke hospitalized in General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of PLA from January to August 2016 were selected and randomly divided into control group (n=74) and observation group (n=72) according to the hospitalized ward. The control group received routine health education. In the observation group, health education videos based on KAP mode were circulated daily in the ward on the basis of the control group. Before the intervention, at the time of discharge, and one month after discharge, the scores of the disease related knowledge and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) were compared between the two groups. One month after discharge, the scores of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) were compared between the two groups. Results At the time of discharge, the scores of disease related knowledge and CHBMS were (6.49±1.34) and (111.58±17.95) respectively, which were both higher than those of the control group, with statistical significance (t=4.448, 6.695; P<0.01) . One month after discharge, the score of MMAS-8 was (6.05±1.43) , which was higher than that of the control group (4.50±1.06) , with statistical significance (t=7.454, P<0.01) . Conclusions Health education video based on KAP model can improve the knowledge, health belief and medication compliance of patients with initial stroke. The video strengthens the knowledge of patients with initial stroke, which is conducive to the formation of the correct attitude and behavior of patients, suitable for further promotion in the future. Key words: Stroke; Health education; Knowledge, attitude and practice model; Video

Relationship between pre-hospital delay and health belief in patients with colorectal cancer

Objective To describe the current situation of pre-hospital delay and belief in patients with colorectal cancer and explore the relationship between them. Methods With convenient sampling methods,totally 385 patients with colorectal cancer were recruited from January to June 2016. Patients with colorectal cancer were investigated using a general data survey questionnaire, visit situation questionnaire and the Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Results The median pre-hospital delay time was 3.00 months. The rate of pre-hospital delay was 43.1%(166/385). The score of the overall belief was (119.52±12.62) points. The two dimensions of susceptibility and perceived severity scored lower, and the two dimensions of health motivation and perceived therapeutic benefits scored higher. The belief was negatively correlated with the pre-hospital delay among colorectal cancer patients (r=-0.737, P<0.01). Conclusions Pre-hospital delay occurred among patients with colorectal cancer is severe. Patients with a higher level of belief have shorter pre-hospital delay. It′s important to improve the level of belief of susceptibility and perceived severity and reduce the time of pre-hospital delay to improve outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Pre-hospital delay; Health belief; Attitude to

The Effects of Training on Knowledge and Beliefs About Breast Cancer and Early Diagnosis Methods Among Women.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female malignancy in the world and Turkey. Its prevalence and mortality are surprisingly increasing at a rapid rate. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of training sessions on women's knowledge of relevant risk factors of BC and screening methods, screening behaviors and health beliefs among of healthy women in Turkey. In this study, in order to establish the efficiency of BC training, a semi-empirical single group pre-test & post-test research model was used. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire and by using the Turkish version of Champion's health belief model scale (CHBMS). The pre-test was performed before the training and after one week of the training, post-test was performed with a questionnaire having the same content. In total, 244 women participated in the study. The average age of the women was 39.44 (SD=1.06) years. The mean total knowledge score increased significantly (p<.001) from 9.05 in the pre-test to 16.53 in the post-test. The results showed that both mean knowledge scores and CHBMS subscales scores of the women were increased significantly (p<.001) from the pre-test to the post-test. In multiple linear regression analysis, BC screening knowledge of women with susceptibility, benefit, self-efficacy and health motivation subscales of CHBMS, breast self-examination (BSE) practice and self-efficacy were also significant in the post-test; in the pre- and post-tests, a significant relationship among the level of education of women, susceptibility and seriousness was found (p<.001). The study showed that the training program had profound effects on BC knowledge, screening behaviors and health beliefs of women.

Evaluating female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to evaluate female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination (BSE). The sample consisted of 175 nursing students from a university in Cyprus. We collected data via a questionnaire that included the Greek version of the Champion Health Belief Model scale and questions regarding the participants' demographic characteristics. More than half of the participants (58.3%) said that they were knowledgeable about BSE and 29.1% of them had been taught about it during their studies. Nevertheless, 59.9% reported never having performed BSE, while 40.1% had performed it at least once. Only 10.9% of the students performed BSE every month for more than a year. Self-confidence had a positive and significant correlation (0.86) with BSE frequency. Also, we found quite a low level of BSE knowledge and practice levels, and this highlights the need for establishing breast cancer prevention programs.

Determination of the Health Belief and Attitude of Women Regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Exam.

This study has been carried out with the purpose of determining the belief and attitude of women regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam and the factors which affect the performance frequency of breast self-exam and it is a descriptive kind of study. Data has been collected through questionnaire forms created by the researchers based on literature information and Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Data collection was collected via face-to-face interviews with the patients. Questionnaire forms were applied to 350 women who accepted to participate in the study. Data was analyzed frequency, percentage, t-test and x2 test with SPSS for Windows 12.0. Average age of women who were included in the study was found to be 33.25±10.27. Average point for the sensitivity sub-dimension of the women within the scope of study was 7.79±2.38, average score for the seriousness sub-dimension 23.30±5.82, average score for the benefit sub-dimension 15.48±4.03, average score for the obstacle sub-dimension was 26.34±7.64, average score of health motivation sub-dimension was 32.77±9.11 and average score for the self-confidence sub-dimension was 25.20±5.02. The beliefs of women regarding the subject should be developed by providing in-service training regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam. It can be suggested that studies be carried out analyzing the effect of the attempts for increasing the performance frequency of breast self-exam of women on the beliefs and attitudes.

The Effect of Testicular Self-Examination Education on Knowledge, Performance, and Health Beliefs of Turkish Men.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young adult men and easily detected at an early stage by periodic testicular self-examination (TSE); however, health care providers seldom teach TSE, thus opportunities for early detection are missed. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TSE education on the knowledge, performance, and health beliefs of Turkish young men. This quasi-experimental follow-up research was conducted on 174 male Health Science university students in Turkey. The data was collected by a modified socio-demographic form and questionnaire, and the Turkish version of Champion Health Belief Model Scale which was performed at two stages: before and 3months after education. Before education, 66.2% of the students did not know anything about TSE, and the main reason for not to perform TSE was the lack of knowledge prior to education. The results showed a significant increase in the perceived benefits in terms of TSE after education (p<0.05). Furthermore, a positive improvement in the behavior of the students toward TSE was observed after education. These results indicate that TSE training is effective in young men, but TSE training should be repeated periodically for better efficacy. These results support that health professionals should have a more active role in the training of adult young men in colleges in terms of TSE.

Predictors of prostate cancer screening intention among older men in Jordan

ABSTRACTIntention to prostate cancer screening (PCS) is one of the major factors affecting the long‐term success of population‐based PCS programmes. The aim of this study is to explore strong factors linked to intention to PCS among older Jordanian adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data were obtained from Jordanian older adults, aged 40 years and over, who visited a comprehensive health care centre within a ministry of health. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the internal consistency of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale for PCS and the clarity of survey questions. Sample characteristics and rates of participation in PCS were examined using means and frequencies. Important factors associated with intention to PCS were examined using bivariate correlation and standard multiple linear regression analysis. About 13% of the respondents were adherent to PCS over the prior decade. Four out of the seven HBM‐driven factors (perceived susceptibility, benefits and barriers to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) test, and health motivation) were statistically significant. Those with greater levels of susceptibility, benefits of PSA test and health motivation and lower levels of barriers to PSA testing were having more intention to participate in PCS. Family history, presence of urinary symptoms, age and knowledge about prostate cancer significantly predicted the intention to PCS. Intervention programmes, which lower perceived barriers to PSA testing and increase susceptibility, benefits of PSA testing and health motivation, should be developed and implemented.

Is Health Locus of Control a Modifying Factor in the Health Belief Model for Prediction of Breast Self-Examination?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world. Early detection is necessary to improve outcomes and decrease related costs. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of health locus of control as a modifying factor in the Health Belief Model (HBM) for prediction of breast self-examination. In this cross- sectional study, 400 women selected through the convenience sampling from health centers. Data were collected using part of the Champion's HBM scale (CHBMS), the Health Locus of Control Scale and a self administered questionnaire. For data analysis by SPSS the independent T test, Chi square test, logistic and linear regression modes were appliedl. The results showed that 10.9% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. Health locus of control did not act as a predictor of BSE as a modifying factor. In this study, perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of BSE performance (Exp (B) =1.863) with direct effect, while awareness had direct and indirect influence. For increasing BSE, improvement of self-efficacy especially in young women and increasing knowledge about cancer is necessary.

Abstract PD4-02: Health beliefs predict adherence to aromatase inhibitors

Abstract Background: Post-menopausal breast cancer survivors are often prescribed aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to decrease the chance of cancer recurrence. Despite their efficacy, many survivors do not fully adhere to their AI regimen. To improve adherence rates, it is important to understand which patient factors are associated with adherence. Current research has mostly focused on demographic, cancer, and symptom variables, most of which cannot be modified. One relevant factor that may be modifiable is health beliefs, which include perceived susceptibility of cancer recurrence, perceived benefits of treatment, and perceived barriers to treatment. Among breast cancer patients, each of these has been found to be associated with adherence behaviors, such as mammography and tamoxifen adherence. In this study, we explored whether health beliefs also play a role in adherence to AIs. Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine whether patients with lower perceived susceptibility to cancer recurrence, higher perceived barriers to taking AIs, and lower perceived benefits of AIs were more likely to non-adhere to their AI regimen. Method: Four hundred and thirty-seven breast cancer survivors who were currently on an AI completed a survey that included the Health Beliefs and Medication Adherence in Breast Cancer (HBMABC) scales (a measure adapted from the Champion Health Belief Model Scales (CHBMS) for Mammography Screening), as well as questions about their demographics and symptoms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the HBMABC yielded a 3-factor solution: perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. Adherence data, including drug holidays (taking breaks from AI treatment) and premature discontinuation (stopping AI treatment early), were collected from physicians' notes in patients' medical charts dating from the day they completed the survey through the end-date of their prescribed AI treatment. Bivariate analyses were conducted to determine variables that were predictive of non-adherence. Variables found to be associated with non-adherence were entered into multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Eighty-five patients (20.6%) exhibited some form of non-adherence (premature discontinuation, drug holiday, or both). Joint pain severity and the number of years a patient was on an AI at the time of the survey were both associated with non-adherence. After adjusting for these covariates, perceived barriers to AI treatment was significantly associated with non-adherence (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.03 – 3.00, p = 0.04). No relationship was found between perceived susceptibility or perceived benefits, and AI adherence. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients on AIs who perceive greater barriers to AI treatment are more likely to non-adhere to their AI regimen. This finding suggests that clinicians can intervene to help modify patients' negative beliefs and ultimately help improve patients' adherence levels. Citation Format: Brier MJ, Stricker CT, Chambless DL, Chen J, Ahluwalia K, Mao JJ. Health beliefs predict adherence to aromatase inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD4-02.

Assessment of Breast Cancer Risk and Belief in Breast Cancer Screening Among the Primary Healthcare Nurses.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Early detection of breast cancer is known to increase survival rates significantly after diagnosis. This research was carried out to determine the level of breast cancer risk among primary healthcare nurses and their belief in breast cancer screening. In this descriptive research, the data were collected in face-to-face interviews with the participants. The researchers contacted all primary healthcare nurses currently working in the province. The data collection tools included a questionnaire form on sociodemographic characteristics, breast cancer risk assessment form, and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) for breast cancer screening. In data analysis, descriptive statistics, t test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. The mean age of nurses was 35 ± 3.6. The mean score for the breast cancer risk assessment form was calculated as 82.9 ± 18.7. The subscale scores for the CHBMS for breast cancer screening were as follows: susceptibility 7.3 ± 1.8, seriousness 19.5 ± 4.1, benefits of breast self-exam 15.5 ± 2.6, barriers to breast self-exam 15.1 ± 2.8, self-efficacy 40.3 ± 7.0, and motivation 19.5 ± 4.1. The risk of breast cancer was found to be low in the study group. The analysis of the subscale scores for the CHBMS for breast cancer screening revealed that nurses had a below-average susceptibility perception, a somewhat lower perception of seriousness, an above-average mean score for perceived benefits, a moderate barrier perception, a relatively high perceived self-efficacy, and motivation above average.