Investigation of the impact of HBM-based training on BSE in women referred to health centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011

ABSTRACT

Women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer. More than 90% of patients can be treated if diagnosed early. However, most women do not perform a regular BSE [Breast Self-Examination], which is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent considerable cancer-related death and morbidity. This study was performed to investigate the impact of Health Belief Model [HBM]- based training on BSE behavior. The study involved a controlled intervention performed with 200 women referred to health centers in Zahedan; 100 women were included in the intervention group and 100 other women in the control group. Before undertaking intervention training, a questionnaire designed according to HBM principles was completed by the subjects. The intervention training was then carried out with the intervention group using a lecture, question and answer sessions, and a film. Two months after the intervention, the questionnaire was readministered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, an independent t-test, a paired t-test, and a chi-square analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant. The independent t-test showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores or HBM parameters among the control and intervention groups [P > 0.05]. However, a significant difference was found after the intervention as the mean knowledge score increased and the HBM parameters differed in the intervention group [P < 0.05]. A paired t-test showed that the mean differences in knowledge scores and HBM parameters before and after the intervention were statistically significant [P < 0.05], but no significant before and after differences were identified among the control group [P > 0.05]. Before the study, the percentage of women who regularly performed a BSE was 7% in the intervention group, but this was increased to 51% after the intervention. It seems that a training program based on HBM principles is effective for inducing BSE behavior. Also, based on the findings of this study, there may be a need to increase the awareness of the perceived severity of breast cancer and the possible benefits of BSE and a self-efficacy approach to health. It is recommended that training programs emphasizing such changes be designed and implemented