Performance Of Breast Self-examination Research Articles

Poland’s Breast Self-Exams: Empowering Awareness

Introduction and purpose: Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in Poland, where it is the most prevalent cancer among women. Despite advancements in medical technology, individual awareness and proactive health practices, such as Breast Self-Examination (BSE), are crucial for early detection. This study focuses on BSE practices in the Tarnów district of Poland, a small city facing unique healthcare challenges, to understand the prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes toward BSE. The aim of study was to comprehensively investigate BSE practices among women in the Tarnów district, considering socio-demographic factors.
 Material and Methods: Anonymous questionnaires assessed socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes toward BSE, frequency of BSE performance, knowledge on BSE, and sources of information. The survey involved 100 Polish women in gynecologist and general practitioner offices in Tarnów County. Results were analyzed in relation to age, education, and place of residence.
 Results: While 90% of women were familiar with BSE, 10% had never heard of it. While 29% performed BSE monthly, 18% never conducted the examination. Knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding optimal BSE practices. Information sources included the Internet (44%) and gynecologists (28%). Notably, 65% expressed a willingness to participate in BSE training.
 Conclusions: In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into BSE practices among women in the Tarnów district, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to encourage regular BSE. Knowledge gaps and the willingness of women to participate in training present opportunities for healthcare initiatives. The study also highlights the need for broader health education campaigns to dispel myths and enhance awareness, particularly regarding breast cancer affecting both genders. Limitations include a small sample size and geographic specificity to Tarnów district.

Explore the Performance and Attitude of Newly Registered Nurses Regarding Breast Cancer Screening in Al-Jouf Hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Quantitative Study

Context: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, but survival rates are still poor in poorer nations. Early diagnosis and screening are key tactics for early detection. Still, the timeframes for screening may not apply to nations like Saudi Arabia, where awareness is low and patients arrive with metastatic breast cancer.
 Aim: To evaluate the performance and attitudes regarding breast cancer screening among newly registered nurses at different hospitals in AlـJouf, Saudi Arabia. 
 Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design on a convenient sample of 169 newly registered nurses working at Medical-Surgical Departments at Al-Jouf Hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A structured interview questionnaire collects data regarding nurses' performance and attitudes toward breast cancer screening.
 Results: The participants' total knowledge of breast cancer reveals that 62.1% of the nurses had a fair knowledge level. The participants’ attitude shows a negative attitude towards breast cancer screening and self-examination among 76.92% of nurses. On the one hand, the newly registered nurses' performance of breast self-examination reveals that 84.7% answered incorrectly about the correct frequency of breast self-examination, 83.9% answered incorrectly about the best time for breast self-examination, and 82.2% answered they had not taught breast self-examination. On the other hand, 87.7% correctly answered the practice of breast self-examination, and 85.8% correctly identified the benefits of breast self-examination. The study also reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between participants' knowledge and attitude toward breast cancer screening and self-examination (p=0.028). Years of experience (p=0.003) and working hospital (p=0.027) were identified as statistically significantly positively correlated with nurses' attitudes toward breast cancer screening and breast self-examination.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that the highest percentage of the newly registered nurses exhibit fair knowledge and negative attitudes towards breast cancer, breast cancer screening, and breast self-examination. Also, more than three-quarters of the studied nurses answered incorrect questions about the frequency and timing of breast self-examination. The study's result emphasizes the necessity of providing newly registered nurses with further training and education regarding breast cancer screening. It is crucial to raise their understanding of the risk factors, symptoms, and suitable screening techniques for breast cancer, such as mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE). Assisting in the early detection of breast cancer will enable patients to have a better prognosis and survival rate.

Breast Self-Examination: An Early Familiar Diagnostic Test of Breast Cancer

Background: Among female patients’ breast cancer are a growing threat for over a century. In women, breast cancer is the most common malignancy universally such as 154 of 185 nations. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple, very low-cost, non-invasive early detection method used to detect early breast cancer, which involves the woman herself looking at and feeling for any change in their breast as early as possible, which yields a better survival rate. BSE should be done for all women older than 20 years. This study intended to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of breast cancer among medical and non-medical undergraduate students. Material & Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted from October to November 2019 to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE. The target population consisted of undergraduate female medical and non‑medical students. A total of 154 (N=154) undergraduate female students participated in this study. Verbal consent was taken before recruiting the study population. Completed data forms were reviewed, edited, and processed for computer data entry. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. Results: Among the study population (N=154) with an early familiar diagnosis of breast cancer ”breast self-examination, the mean age of them was 20.434±4.38. Of seventy-eight respondents (n=78), breast cancer screening test was heard by around half of the medical students (42, 53.8%) & of seventy-six non-medical respondents (n=76), around three-fifth of them (46, 60.5%) did not hear about breast cancer screening test. There was no significant relationship between them (p=0.394). Forty medical students (40, 51.3% and twenty-five non-medical students (25, 32.9%) had no idea, twenty-four medical students (24, 30.8%) & forty-three (43, 56.6%) non-medical students had monthly BSE done. Conclusion: Initial diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have a definite survival benefit. So early detection is an issue of necessity to be uplifted. The results of the present study suggested that knowledge regarding breast cancer, its risk factors, sign symptoms, prevention measures, and performance of BSE is insufficient.

The effect of self-care training programs on lifestyle and breast self-examination of immigrant Afghan women.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and a major cause of mortality among women. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a key technique for early diagnosis of breast cancer, which, along with lifestyle changes, can alleviate the risk of mortality. This study aimed to examine the effect of self-care training programs on lifestyle change and BSE of immigrant Afghan women residing in Iran. In this quasi-experimental study, 140 immigrant Afghan women visiting health-care centers in Shiraz (Iran) were selected via convenience sampling during 2019-2020. The data were collected using a lifestyle questionnaire, a demographic information checklist, and a BSE checklist. Following the pretest, the experimental group received three sessions of self-care training and took the posttest 2 months after the intervention. The control group did not receive any intervention, but took the same posttest 2 months after the pretest. Data analysis was performed using paired and independent t-test and Chi-squared test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22. The post-intervention level of knowledge and performance of the experimental group significantly increased in terms of a healthy lifestyle (P < 0.001) and performance of BSE (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The intervention also had a significant positive effect (P < 0.000) on all dimensions of lifestyle. Self-care training for lifestyle and BSE can promote the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer in immigrant Afghan women who have limited access to health care.

Effect of Educational Intervention Based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on Doing Breast Self-examination in a Sample of Iranian Women.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important part of health care for all women in every stage of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of theory of planned behavior (TPB) on doing BSE in a sample of Iranian women. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the factors affecting the BSE in 400 women. Then, a quasi-experimental study was conducted on 200 subjects (100 in experimental group and 100 in control group). The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of 8 training sessions. A questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge, and constructs of TPB was used to measure BSE performance before and 6 months after the intervention. Constructs of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted the intention to do the BSE. The mean age of the subjects was 31.65 ± 7.59 years. The studied variables predicted 38.7% of behavioral intention (P < .001, odds ratio = 0.387). Six months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, intention, and BSE performance compared with the control group (P < .001). This study showed that educational intervention based on the TPB was effective in promoting breast cancer screening behavior such as BSE. Therefore, it is suggested that health educators and health care planners use educational texts based on these constructs of TPB to increase their influence on individuals via screening behavior for breast cancer.

Breast self-examination as a route to early detection in a lower-middle-income country: assessing psychosocial determinants among women in Surabaya, Indonesia

BackgroundBreast cancer has become a public health concern in Indonesia. Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is considered an important first step for its early detection, especially in countries with limited healthcare access, as it is the case in Indonesia. This study aimed to confirm and assess the psychosocial determinants of intention to perform BSE and BSE performance.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 women aged 18–65 years in Surabaya, Indonesia. A 64-item survey was conducted, included variables from the Reasoned Action Approach, and the Health Belief Model, presented questions about demographics, breast cancer knowledge, and behavior related to BSE.ResultsMost women (72.5%) expressed intention to perform BSE; however, only 7.8% and 2.9% performed BSE per week and per month, respectively, in the past year. Breast cancer knowledge and attitudes towards BSE were uniquely associated with BSE performance. Perceived behavioral control (PBC) and BSE attitudes were unique correlates of intention. Perceived benefits and barriers and subjective norms were significantly associated with intention and BSE behavior in bivariate analyses.ConclusionsBreast screening education should incorporate strategies for improving attitudes towards BSE, PBC, and breast cancer knowledge with perceived benefits and barriers and subjective norms as relevant targets.

Knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female nursing students at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Saudi Arabia, as well as worldwide. Most breast cancer cases are detected at advanced stages, and one possible reason is that many Saudi women are not aware of breast self-examination (BSE). Few studies have examined the knowledge and practice of BSE among female nursing students in Saudi Arabia, and most of those have focused on major cities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the knowledge and practice of BSE among Saudi nursing students at Majma’ah University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design involving 100 nursing students there. The results of this research have revealed that there is a low level of practice of BSE among nursing students and irregular performance of BSE for those who practice it. Subsequently, there is an urgent need to empower awareness, attitude, and practice of BSE among nursing students in Saudi Arabia.

Effectiveness of educational intervention on breast cancer knowledge and breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh: a pre-post quasi-experimental study

BackgroundBreast cancer is a global health issue and a leading cause of death among women. Early detection through increased awareness and knowledge on breast cancer and breast cancer screening is thus crucial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention program on breast cancer knowledge and the practice of breast self-examination among young female students of a university in Bangladesh.MethodsA quasi-experimental (pre-post) study design was conducted at Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. Educational information on breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE), demonstration of BSE procedure and leaflets were distributed among 400 female students after obtaining written informed consent. The stepwise procedures of BSE performance were demonstrated with images. Pre-intervention and 15 days post-intervention assessments were conducted to assess the changes in knowledge on breast cancer and practices of BSE. Mc-Nemar’s tests and paired sampled t-tests were performed to investigate the differences between pre- and post-test stages.ResultsA total of 400 female university students aged 18-26 years were included in the sample. Significant changes were found in knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and BSE practices after the educational intervention. The significant differences were measured in the mean scores of pre-test vs. post-test: breast cancer symptoms (2.99 ± 1.05 vs. 6.35 ± 1.15; p < 0.001), risk factors (3.35 ± 1.19 vs. 7.56 ± 1.04; p < 0.001), treatment (1.79 ± 0.90 vs. 4.63 ± 0.84; p < 0.001), prevention (3.82 ± 1.32 vs. 7.14 ± 1.03; p < 0.001), screening of breast cancer (1.82 ± 0.55 vs. 3.98 ± 0.71; p < 0.001) and process of BSE (1.57 ± 1.86 vs. 3.94 ± 0.93; p < 0.001). Likewise, a significant percentage of change in BSE practices was obtained between pre-test and post-test (21.3% vs. 33.8%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsStudy findings confirm that the study population had inadequate awareness and knowledge at baseline which was improved significantly after educational intervention. A nationwide roll-out with community-based interventions is recommended for the female population in both rural and urban areas.

HEMŞİRELERİN KENDİ KENDİNE MEME MUAYENESİ YAPMASINI ENGELLEYEN FAKTÖRLERİN BELİRLENMESİ

The promotion of breast self-examination (BSE) in developing countries is the main strategy for reducing breast cancer-related mortality. For this reason, determining the barriers to perform BSE for nurses, who play a key role in the health education of the society, should be a priority step. This research was conducted to determine the barriers to perform BSE for nurses. The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 276 nurses working in an education and research hospital, agreed to participate in the study. The data of the study, which was conducted between January and June 2020, were collected using face-to-face interview method via questionnaire form and Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Number and percentage distribution, One Way ANOVA, Student t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, MannWhitney U test, Spearman Correlation and Multi-directional Regression Analysis were used in data analysis. The mean age of the nurses participating in the study was 32.56±9.07. 52.9% of the nurses are single and the majority (75.7%) are university graduates. 73.9% of the nurses perform BSE. The rate of those who perform BSE at the right time is 40.5%. The difference between the disability, trust, and health motivation sub-dimension mean scores of nurses who perform BSE and those who do not are statistically significant. In this study, according to the health belief model used to determine the barriers to nurses' BSE performance, disability perception scores were high, the factors that most affect the perception of disability were marriage, having children, the clinic which they work, breast cancer risk, age, working year and sensitivity, severity. It was determined that they had benefit, sense of trust and health motivation.

Predictors of Breast Cancer Screening behavior in Women aged 20-69 Referred to Public Health Centers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Isfahan Province.

Background:Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer is a major challenge that can lead to disease progression. Identifying the predictors of breast cancer screening behavior is necessary to promote early detection of breast cancer. This study aims to investigate the predictors of breast cancer screening behavior in women aged 20–69 referred to public health centers.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 17255 women aged 20–69 years old in Isfahan Province referred to Public Health Centers by the multi-stage random sampling method. data were collected based on the paper forms of women's care aged 20–69 at public health centers, Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. Using STATA 14, logistic regression was employed to explore predictors of breast cancer screening behavior at a 5% significance level.Results:The mean age of women was 36.75 ± 10.46. About 6006 (34.8%) of women had a history of breast self-examination, and among women aged over 40 years, 17.7% reported ever having a mammogram. The most important factors influencing breast self-examination were age 40–49 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06-1.33), history of hormone consumption (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.15-1.33), family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (OR = 14.22; 95% CI: 9.83-20.57. The most important factors influencing mammography were hormone consumption (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05-1.51), and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (OR = 32.55; 95% CI: 20.08-52.70).Conclusions:Our findings indicated that the performance of breast self-examination and mammography was low. The frequency of BC screening behavior was higher among women with BC risk factors The results revealed the need for health authorities to pay attention to education in BC detection methods.

Health Belief Model and Determinants of Breast Self-examination Performance

Objectives: This study aimed at performing a path analysis to assess the parameters of the health belief model concerning BSE. Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study at a health care center, affiliated with Islamic Azad University Tehran, Faculty of Medicine in the northwest of Tehran, Iran was conducted from May to June 2018. The champion’s HBM scale, breast cancer knowledge test was assessed in all participants. The SPSS-22 and Lisrel-8.8 software, using statistical path analysis, were used for analyzing the data. Results: Totally, 225 women took part in this study. The mean of the BSE performance was 0.53 ± 0.52. The score of BCKT had a significant difference between women, who performed and did not perform BSE (P = 0.001). The final model was a good fit for the data collection. As a result, self-effectiveness improved HBM parameters. Also, perceived barriers, knowledge, and educational level had an association with BSE. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, self-care behaviors could be increased by eliminating perceived barriers and increasing the level of education and as a result of women's knowledge.

Knowledge and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening Methods among Female Community Pharmacists in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives Our study is aimed at exploring the knowledge and personal practice of breast cancer screening among female community pharmacists in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a nonrandom sample selection method for pharmacists in community pharmacies. Results A total of 551 female pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The mean age of pharmacists was 29.1 ± 7.3 years (range 21–67), and most have bachelor degrees in pharmacy (89.1%). The mean score of knowledge of breast cancer signs and symptoms was 4.2 ± 1.5 out of 6 points (range 0–6). The mean score of knowledge of risk factors was 7.6 ± 1.9 out of 12 points (ranging from 2–12). The mean score for knowledge of screening guidelines was 2.8 ± 0.9 out of 4 points (range 0–4). Overall, 452 pharmacists (85.8%) had acceptable knowledge while 75 pharmacists (14.2%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer. Pharmacists surveyed were aware of the different screening methods of breast cancer. The percentage of pharmacists who has performed breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography was 46.6%, 16.5%, and 5.4%, respectively. The most common reason for the lack of BSE and CBE performance was the absence of breast symptoms. Not being at the age recommended for mammography was the most common reason for not undergoing this screening method. Knowledge and practice of screening methods were influenced by age, years of experience, geographic region, personal history of breast cancer, and educational level among community pharmacists. Conclusions This study revealed some gaps in the knowledge of breast cancer among female community pharmacists. The practice of the different screening methods was suboptimal, and variable reasons were indicated for the low uptake of these screening methods. Community pharmacists need to practice preventive behaviors to a satisfactory level to encourage women in the community to adopt similar behavior.

Awareness of Breast Cancer Screening among the Medical and General Population of the North Region of Cameroon

Breast cancer has become a real public health problem in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas due to late diagnosis, resulting partly from the absence of national screening programs. This work is aimed at assessing breast cancer awareness in the North Region of Cameroon. Participants were selected in six health centers surrounding the rural area of Garoua, North Region, Cameroon, and administered a questionnaire aimed at assessing their awareness about breast cancer risk factors and screening. Out of the 475 women (including 37 medical personnel) interviewed, 45.5% attended at least secondary school; 91.3% were aware of the disease with the main sources of information from those around them (64.8%), media (46.5%), and health professionals in health facilities (42.7%). 23.3% had misconceptions and myth-based ideas on the origin of the disease. Ignorance was the main reason preventing the performance of breast self-examination, and the high cost prevents individuals from going for mammography. The highest awareness rate was observed in employed women with higher level of education. Our study highlights the need to raise awareness among the populations in North Region, Cameroon, about the risk factors and clinical signs of breast cancer and the importance of screening practice for early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees – A Follow up Report.

Breast Cancer (BC) is fast becoming a public health concern in resource deprived settings. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive BC preventive method. There is paucity in BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) and correlates research evidence in health trainee undergraduates in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to examine Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees. The study used a mixed method approach among 336 purposively sampled health trainee students. The study revealed that, majority (80.6%) of the female SPs ever practiced BSE, but only 38.3% performed routine monthly checks as recommended and a male minority (36.7%) had ever practised BSE. The study also found a significant positive (r = 0.282, p = 0.000) and very weak insignificant positive correlation (p = 0.041, p = 0.041) between their attitude towards BSE and health LOC on one hand and with their SWL scores respectively. The study recommends a restructuring of curricular of health trainee courses to prioritize BSE as the best BC preventive measure in resource deprived settings. Also many more males must be allowed participation in BSE KAP advocacy, education and research as important stakeholders. Moreover, BSE education must focus on regular routine performance for both males and females. Finally, health professionals as determinants of breast health (LOC) must be factored into BSE education.

A Preliminary Psychometric Assessment of the Attitude of Health Trainee Undergraduate Students towards Breast - Self Examination in Ghana.

Breast self-Examination (BSE) is the cheapest most recommended Breast Cancer (BC) preventive tool for resource-deprived settings. There is paucity in the attitude research domain and comparative gender assessments of the BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the combined and exclusive gender BSE attitude of undergraduate health trainees and to determine significant differences between scores of both genders.The study used an online cross-sectional survey method. 336 health undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences (CoHS) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) were purosively sampled for assessment of their BSE knowledge, attitude and performarmance (KAP). The study found that compared to the construction groups’ average norm of 101.17 (SD = 9.55), our study participants’ (SPs) BSE attitude was lower (92.51; SD = 11.80). However, using popular mid-point and 3- part attitude scoring methods, our SPs’ attitude scores were comparable to sub-regional and national findings. Moreover,the male participants scored a generally high BSE attitude but significantly lower compared to their female counterparts (p &lt; 0.5). The study recommend the need to adjust the curricula of all health trainees in developing nations such as Ghana to reflect relevant BC preventive measures. Furthermore, BSE research, education and advocacy should involve more males as important BC BSE stake holders.

A Preliminary Psychometric Assessment of the Attitude of Health Trainee Undergraduate Students towards Breast - Self Examination in Ghana.

Breast self-Examination (BSE) is the cheapest most recommended Breast Cancer (BC) preventive tool for resource-deprived settings. There is paucity in the attitude research domain and comparative gender assessments of the BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the combined and exclusive gender BSE attitude of undergraduate health trainees and to determine significant differences between scores of both genders.The study used an online cross-sectional survey method. 336 health undergraduate students of the College of Health Sciences (CoHS) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) were purosively sampled for assessment of their BSE knowledge, attitude and performarmance (KAP). The study found that compared to the construction groups’ average norm of 101.17 (SD = 9.55), our study participants’ (SPs) BSE attitude was lower (92.51; SD = 11.80). However, using popular mid-point and 3- part attitude scoring methods, our SPs’ attitude scores were comparable to sub-regional and national findings. Moreover,the male participants scored a generally high BSE attitude but significantly lower compared to their female counterparts (p &lt; 0.5). The study recommend the need to adjust the curricula of all health trainees in developing nations such as Ghana to reflect relevant BC preventive measures. Furthermore, BSE research, education and advocacy should involve more males as important BC BSE stake holders.

Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees – A Follow up Report.

Breast Cancer (BC) is fast becoming a public health concern in resource deprived settings. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive BC preventive method. There is paucity in BSE knowledge, attitude and performance (KAP) and correlates research evidence in health trainee undergraduates in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to examine Breast Self-Examination, Correlates and Predictors of its Attitude among Ghanaian Undergraduate Health Trainees. The study used a mixed method approach among 336 purposively sampled health trainee students. The study revealed that, majority (80.6%) of the female SPs ever practiced BSE, but only 38.3% performed routine monthly checks as recommended and a male minority (36.7%) had ever practised BSE. The study also found a significant positive (r = 0.282, p = 0.000) and very weak insignificant positive correlation (p = 0.041, p = 0.041) between their attitude towards BSE and health LOC on one hand and with their SWL scores respectively. The study recommends a restructuring of curricular of health trainee courses to prioritize BSE as the best BC preventive measure in resource deprived settings. Also many more males must be allowed participation in BSE KAP advocacy, education and research as important stakeholders. Moreover, BSE education must focus on regular routine performance for both males and females. Finally, health professionals as determinants of breast health (LOC) must be factored into BSE education.

Health beliefs of women attending mammography unit and related factors

Aim: This descriptive study was done to evaluate the perceptions of health beliefs and related factors of women attending a mammography unit for mammograms. Materials and Methods: It was carried out with 181 women admitted to a mammography unit of a university hospital. Data were measured using a questionnaire form. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between women's education (health motivation, Breast Self-Examination (BSE) benefits and barriers), BSE performance status (health motivation, BSE barriers and self-efficacy, mammography benefits and barriers) and family history of breast cancer (sensitivity, health motivation, BSE benefits) (p&amp;lt;0.05). As a result of the research findings, it was determined that 64.6% of women performed BSE. Conclusion: In accordance with these results, increasing the awareness training for breast cancer and the dissemination of screening may be suggested by taking into account the individual characteristics of women.

The effect of structured training program on awareness and behavior regarding breast self-examination among community health workers of South Delhi

Background: Breast cancer is one of the malignant diseases where early diagnosis and treatment leads to a good prognosis. Breast self-examination (BSE) is the most cost-effective screening technique. Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the effect of training on awareness and behavior of BSE among the community health workers (CHWs). Methodology: A community-based interventional study was conducted among 148 Accredited Social Health Activist and Anganwadi Workers of the selected wards of South Delhi district in the year 2018. The study was done in three phases: baseline survey followed by intervention in the form of training session, which involved the use of nursing manikins for the demonstration of BSE technique and video demonstration, depicting proper performance of BSE. After a period of 2 weeks, the same questionnaire and training models were used on the same CHWs to assess the effect of the intervention on their awareness and behavior. Results: Although most of the CHWs were in the age group of 20–40 years and educated till higher secondary and above, only 40% had ever heard of self-breast examination and an even lesser number had ever performed self-breast examination before. The intervention helped in the increase of knowledge about the symptoms of breast cancer considerably. The confidence levels among CHWs and barriers seeking help in CHWs also improved and more people approached their doctors regarding changes seen in the breast, mainly lumps on self-examination. Conclusion: It was determined that the awareness and behavior change after training was positive. There is also effective improvement seen in confidence level and health-seeking behavior.

Self-Efficacy and Perceived Barriers as Determinants of Breast Self-Examination Among Female Nonmedical Students of the University of Ghana.

Breast cancer mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is comparatively high largely because of low levels of knowledge and late presentation at hospitals. Breast self-examination (BSE) provides an important way of early detection of breast cancer, particularly for resource constrained countries. This study therefore examined the factors which influence the performance of BSE among female undergraduate nonmedical students of the University of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and May 2018. It involved 308 students drawn from the University of Ghana. The instrument was based on the Health Belief Model and the Breast Cancer Knowledge questionnaires. The results suggest that about a quarter (23.4%) of the participants performed BSE at least once every month, despite 75.3% believing that checking the breast every month helps in early detection of breast cancer. As expected, those who had ever performed BSE had higher knowledge of breast cancer (M = 6.722, standard deviation [SD] = 2.090) compared with those who had never performed BSE (M = 4.850, SD = 1.982), p = . 000. Similarly, they perceived barriers to performing BSE to be lower (M = 17.900, SD = 5.733) compared with nonperformers (M = 19.850, SD = 6.976), p < .05. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that knowledge level, self-efficacy, and level at the university were statistically significant predictors of BSE. Educational and training programs that focus on equipping women with the skill to perform BSE are therefore recommended.