The effect of training on the knowledge levels and beliefs regarding breast self-examination on women attending a public education centre.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of subject training on the level of knowledge about breast self-examination (BSE) and breast cancer in women attending a public education centre. This research was structured according to pre-test-post test, one group research design principles. The study involved 91 course attendees at the Erzincan Public Education Centre (73.4%). The average age of study subjects was 21.4+/-5.4. Of the 91 participants in the study, 3.3% (n=3) had a family history of breast cancer and 5.5% (n=5) have had a lump in their breasts. In pre-test questions, the rate of correct answers was between 13.2% and 68.1%. After training, the rate of correct answers increased to between 79.1% and 96.7% and attendees demonstrated an increase in the accuracy of their beliefs about breast cancer (health risk, susceptibility). The perception of self-efficacy, an important variable in the process of behaviour change, is a necessary component of changing and maintaining the practice of BSE. The results of this work and others demonstrate that education administered by nurses can increase positive perceptions about BSE self-efficacy. Education in BSE is easily administered, requires no special tools, could lead to early diagnosis of breast cancer if performed regularly and should be taught to all women aged 20 years and above.     

Breast self-examination. Knowledge and behavior of Greek female health care professionals working in primary health care centers.

A comparative correlational study was conducted to examine the knowledge and frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) by Greek health care professionals. A total of 268 women working in primary health care centers constituted the sample. The women were 22-64 years of age. Subjects reported low levels of knowledge about BSE and facts related to breast cancer. Multiple regression analysis showed significant relationships between level of knowledge and profession, number of years of health-related education, and frequency of BSE. The sample's frequency of practice of BSE was limited. Only 34.7% of the participants claimed to practice BSE on a monthly basis. Multiple regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between BSE behavior and marital status, professional experience with breast cancer, and level of knowledge. The level of knowledge of the participants is considered to be inadequate, taking into account that they work in settings where primary health care is offered. Courses of preventive medicine and health education should be incorporated in medical and nursing curricula.     

Motivational factors in breast self-examination. Implications for nurses

Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important self-care activity for women to perform to maintain their life, health, and well-being. Although women are growing aware of the importance of breast self-examination, it appears that they lack sufficient motivation to perform it on a consistent basis. Nurses are ideal health professionals to motivate women to perform BSE because of their knowledge, their supportive-educative role, and their numbers located in various settings. The purpose of this article is to identify how nurses can direct their efforts in the promotion of BSE practice through the use of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. This article will also explore, through the application of the PRECEDE Model, how nurses can develop effective strategies to increase the consistent practice of BSE in women.     

Evaluation of a Danish teaching program in breast self-examination

This study investigated the effect of a BSE training program on women's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding BSE. Postal questionnaires were sent to 629 women who had participated in 1998-2000 in the BSE training program run by Ribe County, Denmark, and to a local matched control group of the same size selected through personal registration numbers. Response rates were 77% and 56%, respectively. A significantly greater number of women who had attended BSE training reported that they knew how and when to do BSE, and what they should do if they discovered breast changes (97% compared to 66% in control group). Similar proportions in each group felt confident of finding any breast changes (57%) and believed that routine BSE can influence the chances of recovery from breast cancer (90%). There were also no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the reporting of anxiety as a result of performing BSE (24% and 17%, respectively). The intervention group was significantly more likely to perform BSE regularly (66% compared to 52% in control group) and to use a more correct technique (44% compared to 20% in control group). It was concluded that a formal training program increases the likelihood of regular BSE performance with a correct technique.     

Factors related to women's practice of breast self-examination

Factors related to women's practice of breast self-examination (BSE) were studied in a sample of upper-middle-class women attending meetings of voluntary women's groups. Factors found to relate directly to frequency of BSE practice were high perceived benefits of BSE, low perceived barriers to BSE, and high self-concept. Correlations with perceived susceptibility/seriousness of breast cancer, age, perceived level of social support, and social network properties were not significant. A multiple regression analysis was done with BSE frequency as criterion variable: perceived threat (susceptibility/seriousness) and perceived benefits minus perceived barriers were entered hierarchically; age, self-concept, and total social support were entered as a group. Perceived benefits minus barriers was the only significant predictor variable, R2 = .27. These findings underline the importance of assessing detective behaviors such as BSE as potentially different from preventive behaviors.     

Relationship of self-concept, health locus of control, and perceived cancer treatment options to the practice of breast self-examination

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer for women in the United States. Recognition of the fact that no more than 40% of women practice breast self-exam (BSE) is of major concern in that BSE has been identified as one method of early detection. The factors that encourage or discourage women to perform BSE need to be identified. The current study investigated the relationships between women's practice of BSE, self-concept, locus of control, and knowledge of treatment options for breast cancer. One mammogram screening center provided the 235 subjects who completed the questionnaires. Subjects who practiced BSE more frequently had a slightly higher self-concept score and were more aware of breast cancer treatment options (r = 0.16, p less than 0.05). Weak correlations were found between chance locus of control and BSE frequency of practice (r = 0.22, p less than 0.05). The majority of subjects reported irregular BSE practice, both as to whether they practiced BSE on a monthly basis and as to the time of the month for BSE.     

Using a community-based outreach program to improve breast health awareness among women in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based health education program via a mobile van to promote the awareness of breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) practice among women in Hong Kong. DESIGN: One group pretest/posttest design. SAMPLE AND MEASUREMENTS: Seven hundred and seventy-seven women in Hong Kong completed a self-administered questionnaire before and after a breast health education program from May 2002 to March 2003. RESULTS: About half were aware of breast health and breast diseases (53.7%) and breast screening methods (48.6%) before the intervention. It was found that women who had received instruction on BSE practice, and those who were aware of breast screening methods, breast health, and breast diseases were more likely to have had prior BSE practice. Most indicated their willingness to practice BSE regularly (93.3%) and to pass on the BSE knowledge to their relatives and friends (92%) in the posttest. CONCLUSIONS: The outreach health education program has successfully reached women living in the 18 districts in Hong Kong. It appears to be useful in raising the awareness of breast health and BSE practice among the women, but longer term follow-up is required to ascertain its sustainability.     

Breast self examination: use of a visual reminder to increase practice.

1. Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer affecting women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, will affect more than 10% of the female population of this country. 2. Breast self examination (BSE), known to be an effective component of a three part breast health program which includes physical examination and mammography, is not practiced consistently by American women. 3. A convenient memory aid serving as a visual stimulus, combined with appropriate educational materials, is effective in increasing both the knowledge of breast health and the frequency of BSE practice.     

Effects of a Cognition-Oriented Breast Self-Examination Intervention for Korean Women and Their Spouses

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cognition-oriented breast self-examination (BSE) intervention program that is based on the Transtheoretical Model and reflects individual characteristics according to BSE stage among Korean women and their spouses.
Design: A time-series nonequivalent control group design was used.
Sample and Measurement: Twenty-four couples in each of 2 groups completed a preintervention test and were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months later for their knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, spousal encouragement for BSE, perceived confidence in BSE methods, change in BSE stage, and perceived benefits and barriers to BSE. The intervention involved husbands as well as women, and consisted of lectures on breast cancer and BSE, demonstrations and practice with models while being videotaped, and feedback.
Results: There were significant differences between the control and experimental groups for all variables. Change of BSE stage in experimental group showed significantly advancement over time.
Conclusions: This intervention program was effective in promoting regular BSE practice and in enhancing confidence in BSE. The intervention also raised awareness among husbands of the importance of breast health for their wives. Educational interventions for breast cancer prevention should be specified to an individual's stage of BSE.     

Factors related to practice of breast self-examination in rural women

The purpose of this study was to examine variables related to breast self-examination (BSE) in rural women. The sample of convenience consisted of 347 women who were members of selected county-extension homemaker clubs. Champion's Health Belief Model Scale was used to measure susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, health motivation, sociodemographics, and knowledge variables and frequency of BSE. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the Health Belief Model concepts accounted for 26% of the variance in BSE practice. Women who perceived more benefits of BSE in reducing the severity of breast cancer were more likely to report more frequent BSE. Women who perceived fewer barriers to performing BSE and those who scored high on health motivation were also more likely to report performing monthly BSE. Pearson product-moment correlation indicated a significant positive relationship between the variables of BSE knowledge and BSE practice (r = 0.1216; p = 0.023). The lambda statistics showed weak or no association between the demographic variables of age, race, marital status, religion, education, personal experience with breast disease, and friend's experience with breast disease and BSE practice. These findings suggest that perhaps educational programs emphasizing benefits of BSE may be implemented for women represented in this sample in an attempt to increase the number of women practicing BSE. Assessment of women's perceptions of potential barriers would allow nurses to plan appropriate strategies that could reduce the barriers. Finally, assessment of women's general health practices may identify women motivated toward good health. These women may be likely to complete monthly BSE if encouraged to do so.     

Breast Self-Examination Beliefs: A Descriptive Study

Abstract Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among American women. Evidence indicates that regular breast self-examination (BSE) may reduce breast cancer mortality by 18%, yet the majority of women do not practice it. This study used a decision model to examine the BSE-related characteristics, beliefs, and behaviors of 52 working women age 21 to 65 years (mean 44.05 yrs). Nearly 29% of the sample performed BSE. They were more likely than nonperformers to be white, to have a close relative who had breast cancer, and to believe that breast problems could be detected through BSE. Fears, particularly fear of cancer, were more likely to affect performers' than nonperformers' BSE decision. Nonperformers were more likely to think that the first symptom of breast cancer would be a sensation of some type. and that a healthy lifestyle protected them from the disease. They also were more likely to think reminders would encourage them to perform BSE. The most often reported sources of information about BSE were health care providers and friends or relatives.     

女性乳房自我检查情况调查

目的 调查女性乳房自检情况及影响因素。对唐山市20岁以上的非乳腺癌患者、非医务工作者的知识女性、普通女工、农村妇女963名。方法 采用分层抽样,利用自行设计的问卷进行资料收集,原始数据用SPSS统计软件进行录入与分析,立要的统计方法为一般性描述、X~2检验。结果 只有7.79％的妇女经常定期做乳房自检,61.79％的妇女不做;不做的主要原因是不知道怎么做及不知道需要做;知识女性做乳房自检的比例高于普通女工和农村妇女。结论 妇女做乳房自检情况与其对乳腺癌的相关知识的了解程度呈正相关;妇女对乳房自检的重要性的认识急待提高,且应掌握乳房自检的正确方法。     

Developing and testing lay literature about breast cancer screening for African American women

Written materials about breast cancer screening for African American women with low literacy skills are needed. Available materials were not at or below third-grade reading levels, were not culturally sensitive, and were not accurate in illustrating correct breast self-examination (BSE) techniques. Focus groups representing the target population helped the authors design a pamphlet describing how to perform BSE and a motivational picture book to help women overcome barriers to screening. The authors chose a food theme for the cover of the pamphlet written at a third-grade level and suggested a photographic version. In the motivational book, two women address barriers to screening and replace myths and fears with facts and actions. Data from 162 women showed that they learned from both the photographic and illustrated versions. Women in the photographic group found significantly more lumps in the silicone models, so the authors chose that version to use in final testing. Finally, nurses pretested a group of patients before they reviewed the materials and post-tested another group after they reviewed them. The group who had reviewed the materials had greater knowledge of and intent to follow the guidelines and received higher scores on BSE techniques.     

乳腺增生症病人乳腺健康知识调查分析

目的 了解女性乳腺增生症病人乳腺健康知识及乳房自我检查的实施情况。方法 采用自行设计的问卷对850例女性乳腺增生症病人进行乳腺健康知识的调查及乳房自我检查实施情况的调查。结果 31．1％的乳腺增生症病人了解常见的乳腺疾病知识，58．5％的病人了解乳房自我检查知识，15．7％的病人掌握乳房自我检查的方法；不同职业、文化程度的乳腺增生症病人的乳房自我检查情况存在统计学差异（P〈0．01）。结论 加强妇女乳腺健康知识宣传，传授乳房自我检查的正确方法，有利于达到乳腺疾病早发现、早诊断、早治疗的目的。     

Health beliefs,perceived self-efficacy,and breast self-examination among Thai migrants in Brisbane

BACKGROUND: Women in Thailand have a relatively low risk of developing breast cancer; however, death rates from breast cancer are increasing. Rates in many migrant groups are also known to be on the increase. Little is known about breast cancer screening, particularly breast self-examination (BSE), among Thai migrant women in other countries. In Australia, non-English-speaking-background migrants are known to be low users of preventive health services. AIMS: To investigate, using the health belief model (HBM) and self-efficacy as a theoretical framework, the use of BSE in a recent migrant group, Thai women in Australia, and to identify sociodemographic variables that influence the women's regular use of BSE. METHODS: In 1998, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 Thai women in Brisbane recruited through a snowball-sampling method, which used personal contacts and key persons within the Thai community. The study was approved by the University Human Ethics Review Committee. Data were collected through designed closed-ended questions. RESULTS: Only 25% of the women performed BSE regularly. HBM indices were strongly associated with BSE. Beliefs in high personal susceptibility to breast cancer strongly increased the likelihood of BSE. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, cues or triggers to undertake BSE and self-efficacy, or the ability to do BSE were found to be important determinants of regular BSE. Study limitations, including data collection methods, are discussed. CONCLUSION: A low percentage of women practised BSE regularly. The HBM is a useful framework for identifying factors influencing the use of BSE. Strategies that increase the confidence of women to undertake preventive health behaviour or increase self-efficacy are likely to increase their regular screening for breast cancer.