Improving breast self-examination: an educational intervention based on health belief model

This study evaluated the effect of an educational program on breast self-examination [BSE] among women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. This trial studied 240 eligible women attending at eight health centers of Bandar Abbas who were randomly divided into intervention [n = 120] or control [n=120] group. Data regarding belief on breast self examination were collected through the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale [CHBMS]. At the initial of the study, there were no differences between two groups in terms of socio demographic data, the mean scores of Champion's Health Belief Model [CHBM] sub-scales and breast self-examination rate. At follow up time the intervention group compared to control group has obtained significant higher mean score of CHBM in terms of all sub-scales except for the subscale of BSE benefit. This study indicated that the designed program could improve Breast Self Examination among studied women

[Constructs of the health belief model as predicting factors in breast self-examination]

Early diagnosis of breast lumps through breast selfexamination [BSE] is important for early detection of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors predict the BSE behavior using Health Belief Model constructs in women referred to health centers in Bandar abbas, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 240 eligible women were randomly selected from eight health centers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale [CHBMS]. The CHBMS measures the HBM concepts of susceptibility [3 items], seriousness [6 items], benefits [4 items], barriers [8 items] and self-efficacy [10 items]. All items were ranged in a Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree [score: one]" to "strongly agree [score: five]". A total of 240 women took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 37.2 [SD=6.1]. Of all, 32.5% had high school education; and 95.8% were married. The results showed that 31.7% of the women had performed the BSE; however, only 7.1% had performed it regularly. Perceived BSE benefits, perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE selfefficacy of the participants who performed the BSE were significantly higher than those who did not [P<0.03]. The results from regression analysis indicated that the perceived BSE self-efficacy and perceived BSE barriers predicted breast self-examination behavior [P<0.001]. The findings of this study indicated that perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE self-efficacy were influencing factors in predicting the BSE behavior. Therefore, in order to improve self-efficacy and decrease the barriers, BSE training programs are strongly recommended

Analysis of hospitalized burned patients in Bandar Abbass, Iran

This study was conducted to determine the causes and outcomes of burn in patients referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbass, southern Iran, in which 212 burned patients were assessed from March 2007 to March 2008 .Mean age of patients was 22.14 yr. Heat contact was the main cause of burn with 92.5%. 49.1% of total burns occurred among less than 20 yr old people. Mortality rate was 10.4%. Most of burns occurred at home. An educational program is necessary to prevent thermal burning at home