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

ABSTRACT

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