Exploring female medical students' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions related to breast cancer screening: a scoping review.

Early detection measures for breast cancer, such as breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammography, have considerable benefits in effectively reducing breast cancer-related mortality. As the incidence of breast cancer is steadily increasing, it is crucial to raise awareness on early detection. This scoping review assessed the current knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of breast cancer screening among female medical students. We used the six phases of Arksey and O'Malley's framework from the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) template. Our analysis included 43 articles from Google Scholar and PubMed search engines, focusing on female medical students. Our results showed that most female medical students had a satisfactory level of knowledge about the most common signs, symptoms, and early detection methods of breast cancer. Generally, their attitude and perceptions were positive regarding breast cancer-related preventive measures. However, the level of practice was reduced. Further efforts are necessary to promote and improve the practice of breast self-examination, clinical breast exams, and mammography among female medical students. Potential interventions could include modifications to the medical curriculum and social media campaigns to enhance engagement and adoption of these practices.

Predicting factors for breast cancer screening in Middle Eastern women based on health belief model: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer screening can reduce mortality and improve the quality of life in affected women. The present study aimed to determine the predictive factors of breast cancer screening in Iranian women based on the health belief model (HBM). METHODS: This review was conducted by searching electronic databases of Google Scholar; electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and Google scholar Magiran; and SID with the English keywords of "breast cancer," "mammography," "health belief model," and "breast self-exam" and the equivalent Persian keywords. The results were evaluated based on the health belief model (HBM) constructs. Articles were evaluated for quality and the findings were extracted and reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 8 relevant articles were selected for review. Women's awareness of breast cancer screening methods was moderate in two studies and poor in two other studies. Among the constructs of HBM, knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and action plan were poor in the majority of the studies, while perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy were mainly good. CONCLUSION: Considering the observed weakness of many HBM constructs, it is recommended that special attention be given to all HBM constructs in implementing HBM-based education programs.

Predictors of breast self-examination behavior among adult females in Najran city, Saudi Arabia.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the predictors of breast self-examination (BSE) behavior among adult females in Najran city, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was utilized to recruit 1,075 participants from the primary health centers in Najran city, Saudi Arabia, from the beginning of March to the end of October 2021. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection; it consisted of demographic data and health history, breast cancer knowledge test and protection motivation theory (PMT) scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Only 38.2% of the study participants had ever-performed BSE. Participants' knowledge, education, previous family history of breast cancer, and personal history of benign breast tumors are significant socio-demographic predictors of BSE behavior (p < .001). Also, the higher threats appraisal, reward appraisal, and efficacy appraisal increased the participants' probability of practicing BSE (p < .001) compared to a low level as references based on binary logistic regression results. In addition, low response cost was another predictor for BSE behavior compared with higher levels (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Participants' knowledge, education, previous family history of breast cancer, and the PMT constructs (threats appraisal, reward appraisal, efficacy appraisal, and response cost) were significant predictors of BSE behavior.

Female university students' knowledge and practice of breast self-examination in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer keeps its importance as an important health problem in developing countries like Turkey. Therefore, breast cancer screening and early diagnosis are more important for these countries. Although there are debates about breast self- examination, it is still involved in breast cancer screening programs in many countries. AIM: This study aimed to determine university students' knowledge and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study universe consisted of all the female students studying at a public university. Sample size of 161 was calculated for a predicted event frequency. The research data were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 73.3% of the subjects students had heard about BSE. Only half of these students had obtained additional information about BSE. While half of the students indicated that they did perform BSE, 33.3% reported doing so at regular intervals. The majority of the students were aware of BSE and its purpose. Only about half stated, however, that they practice it. Those who practiced BSE were not knowledgeable about how and when to perform it. CONCLUSIONS: In developing countries, to have adequate knowledge of BSE of young women and to do BSE, it is important to develop a consciousness of breast health and an awareness of breast cancer at this age.

Creencias y conocimientos relacionados a la práctica del autoexamen de mama en mujeres universitarias de Colombia: Un estudio descriptivo / Beliefs and knowledge related to the practice of Breast self-examination in Colombian university women: A descriptive study

RESUMEN Objetivo Estudios epidemiológicos han identificado el autoexamen de mama (AEM) y el conocimiento de los factores de riesgo como estrategias para la detección precoz del cáncer de mama. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de la práctica del AEM e identificar los conocimientos de autocuidado y creencias relacionados al AEM en mujeres de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos Estudio descriptivo y transversal, en 628 mujeres universitarias entre 18 y 30 años de edad, de Bogotá, Colombia. La práctica del AEM, el autocuidado y las creencias se recogieron por medio de una encuesta estructurada. Se calcularon prevalencias y se establecieron asociaciones mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión logística binaria. Resultados De la población evaluada, el 11,3% de las mujeres acusaron practicarse el AEM mensualmente en los últimos 12 meses. Tras ajustar por edad y estrato socioeconómico se observó que las participantes que recibieron información previa acerca de la detección temprana del cáncer de seno OR 2,76 (IC95% 1,29-5,91), que tenían conocimientos de la enfermedad OR 3,24 (IC95% 1,76-5,97) y que reportaron conocer el examen de mamografía OR 2,04 (IC95% 1,13-3,68); se asociaron como variables con la realización del AEM. Conclusión La práctica del AEM en la población estudiada fue baja y el conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo del cáncer se asociaron positivamente con la práctica del AEM. Estos datos podrían utilizarse para ofrecer programas de intervención educativa entre las mujeres universitarias de Colombia.

ABSTRACT Objective Epidemiological evidences have identified both Breast-Self Examination (BSE) and the awareness about risk factors as early detection strategies for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of BSE and identify self-care knowledge and beliefs about BSE in women from Bogota, Colombia. Methods Cross-sectional study in 628 between 18 and 30 years old from Bogota, Colombia. BSE prevalence, self-care and beliefs were collected by structured survey. We estimated prevalence rates and association measures were calculated through logistic regression models. Results The 11.3% of the participants practiced BSE monthly in the last 12 months. After adjustments for age and socioeconomic status, participants whose received previous advice about early detection OR 2.76 (CI95% 1.29-5.91), had previous knowledge about the disease OR 3.24 (CI95% 1.76-5.97) and that reported to know about mammography OR 2.04 (CI95% 1.13-3.68), were associated with the practice of BSE. Conclusion The practice of BSE was low in the studied population and the levels of knowledge about risk factors were positively associated with the practice of BSE. These data could serve to offer educative intervention programs among young women from Colombia.

Beliefs and Behavior of Saudi Women in the University of Tabuk Toward Breast Self Examination Practice

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of malignancy worldwide, Breast Self Exam (BSE) is considered as a simple method to screen and detect breast cancer, then early beginning of treatment and enhancing survival rates. Aim: To Identify the health beliefs about breast Self-Examination and its relationships with the frequency of BSE among the women in the University of Tabuk at Saudi Arabia. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design was used; Champion Health Beliefs Model (CHBM) was utilized to assess health beliefs among 400 women who answered a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 400 respondents, almost all the sample (382,95.5%) heard about BSE. However, only (7.8%) practiced BSE regularly each month in the past year, and (9%) is intended to perform BSE monthly in future. There was a positive relationship between performing BSE last year and the beliefs of susceptibility and confidence. While, intention to perform BSE in the future was significantly correlated to seriousness and confidence. Perceived barriers were negatively related to BSE performance in last 12 months and in future. Conclusion: Health beliefs affect the behavior of women in practicing BSE. Confidence was related positively to BSE in past year, and future practice, while barriers belief was as the negative factor to perform BSE.

Evaluation on the Practice and Behaviour of Women Applied for Gynecology Outpatient Clinics About Screening Methods for Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast exam (CBE), mammography and ultrasound imaging (UI) are screening methods used for early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of this study is to put forth the utilization frequency of these screening methods among women presenting to the gynecology outpatient clinics and the relation of these data with the socio-demographic characteristics of the women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 429 women (age, 16-80 years) who were admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinics. The survey inquired about the rate and frequency of the performance of BSE, CBE, mammography and UI; personal and family history of breast cancer and social-demographic characteristics of the women. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.08 (SD: 3.67). More than half of the women above 40 years of age (59.7 %) had never undergone mammography. 99.8 % of the women who had undergone mammography had also received ultrasound imaging. A significant relationship was identified between the BSE performance and having mammography. 57.4% of the women above 40 years of age (117) had UI, 53.9% (110) had CBE and 57.3% (117) performed BSE. There was a significant relationship between the age, education status and regular BSE; positive family history of BC and having CBE and mammography. CONCLUSION: The results reveal that the rate of BSE performance, having mammography and CBE are at less-than-ideal levels. In this context, it is apparent that breast cancer screening methods are needed to be introduced and guidance about their application frequency should be provided for women in gynecology outpatient clinics.

Role Playing for Improving Women's Knowledge of Breast Cancer Screening and Performance of Breast Self-Examination

Background: To enhance knowledge and performance of screening as a strategy to control breast cancer, use of effective teaching methods is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of role-playing on knowledge of breast cancer screening and performance of breast self-examination (BSE). Methods: A quasi experimental design was used. Women enrolled in community cultural centers (n=314) were randomly divided into two educational groups: role playing (intervention) and lecture (control). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire before and after intervention. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined as 0.80 by Cronbach's alpha. The women were followed up regarding performance of BSE one month later. Results: Of the 314 women, 113 (36%) and 132 (42%) had low and medium levels of knowledge, respectively. More than a third (38.2%) reported that TV and radio were the most important information sources for breast cancer and screening. There were significant differences between mean scores of knowledge before and after the intervention in both groups, but change was greater with role playing (31.3±1.9 as compared to 23.5±1.3) (P=0.001). After a month of educational intervention, 75.7% and 69.8% of those in role playing and control groups had undergone BSE. Conclusion: It appears that application of a role playing method by providers improves women's knowledge and behavior with respect to breast cancer screening.

Determination of the Health Belief and Attitude of Women Regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Exam.

OBJECTIVE: This study has been carried out with the purpose of determining the belief and attitude of women regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam and the factors which affect the performance frequency of breast self-exam and it is a descriptive kind of study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data has been collected through questionnaire forms created by the researchers based on literature information and Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Data collection was collected via face-to-face interviews with the patients. Questionnaire forms were applied to 350 women who accepted to participate in the study. Data was analyzed frequency, percentage, t-test and x2 test with SPSS for Windows 12.0. RESULTS: Average age of women who were included in the study was found to be 33.25±10.27. Average point for the sensitivity sub-dimension of the women within the scope of study was 7.79±2.38, average score for the seriousness sub-dimension 23.30±5.82, average score for the benefit sub-dimension 15.48±4.03, average score for the obstacle sub-dimension was 26.34±7.64, average score of health motivation sub-dimension was 32.77±9.11 and average score for the self-confidence sub-dimension was 25.20±5.02. CONCLUSION: The beliefs of women regarding the subject should be developed by providing in-service training regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam. It can be suggested that studies be carried out analyzing the effect of the attempts for increasing the performance frequency of breast self-exam of women on the beliefs and attitudes.

Breast self-exam and patient interval associate with advanced breast cancer and treatment delay in Mexican women.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare treatment intervals in breast cancer patients according to the detection method (breast self-exam vs screening). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including 291 breast cancer patients at a Mexican tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Breast cancer detection method was mostly breast self-exam (60%). The median patient interval was 60.5 days, and was associated with marital status and socioeconomic level. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant for global interval, p = 0.002; however, health system interval was not statistically different. CONCLUSION: In our country, breast cancer screening is opportunistic, with several weaknesses within its management and quality systems. Our study showed that even in specialized health care centers, breast cancer is detected by self-exam in up to 2/3 of patients, which can explain the advanced stages at diagnosis in our country. In developing countries, the immediate health care access for breast cancer patients should be prioritized as an initial step to reduce the global treatment initiation interval in order to reduce mortality.

The Determination of Knowledge, Applications and Health Beliefs of Third- and Fourth-Grade Nursing Students Regarding Breast Self-Exam.

OBJECTIVE: Breast Self-Exam (BSE) is a screening method for the early diagnosis of breast cancer in young women. However, the knowledge and applications of the students related to Breast Self-Exam (BSE) are insufficient. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, application and health beliefs of the students related to BSE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study's sample consisted of 127 third and fourth grade students in the Nursing Department. Socio-demographic Form, Breast Cancer Knowledge Form, Health Belief Model Scale and BSE Checklist were used in order to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Although most of the students have knowledge about BSE, the frequency of BSE and CBE were found to be low. The fourth grade students were more confident that they applied BSE correctly and their perceived self-efficacy was higher, but their perceived susceptibility and perceived obstacles were lower (p<.05). The students' knowledge level about BSE was moderate and their BSE proficiency was low. It was found out that there was a statistical difference between BSE knowledge level and perceived susceptibility, health motivation, perceived obstacles and perceived self-efficacy. Also, a statistical difference was found between students' being sure that they applied BSE correctly and perceived obstacles and perceived self-efficacy (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These findings lead to the idea that special training programs should be held instead of standard trainings, in order to improve the knowledge, skills, applications and health beliefs of the students regarding BSE. The curriculums should be revised in terms of breast cancer education.

Autoexamen de mama en mujeres de la comunidad "19 de Abril" del municipio venezolano de Guanare / Breast self-exam in women of "19 de abril" community from the Venezuelan municipality of Guanare

Se efectuó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 233 mujeres venezolanas de la comunidad 19 de abril del municipio Guanare, estado Portuguesa, desde enero hasta marzo del 2012, a fin de caracterizar a estas féminas según aspectos relacionados con el autoexamen de mama. Entre las variables analizadas figuraron: edad, fuentes de información sobre la autoexploración mamaria, práctica e importancia de este autoexamen. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 40-49 años (28,3 %), las pacientes que realizaban la técnica de forma incompleta (74,1 %) y las que no ejecutaban este proceder (75,1 %). Entre las principales fuentes de información sobresalieron: promoción gráfica, familiares y amigos. La realización de estos exámenes de manera preventiva permite mejorar la calidad de vida y, en un porcentaje elevado, la curación de afecciones mamarias.

An observational and descriptive study of 233 Venezuelan women of "19 de abril" community in Guanare municipality, Portuguese state, from January to March, 2012, in order to characterize to these women according to aspects related to the breast self-exam. Among the analyzed variables there were: age, sources of information about the breast self-exploration, practice and importance of this self-exam. The age group 40-49 (28.3%), patients who carried out the technique in an incomplete way (74.1%) and those who did not practice this procedure (75.1%) prevailed in the case material. Among the main sources of information there were: graphic promotion, relatives and friends. Carrying out these exams in a preventive way allows to improve the life quality and, in a high percentage, the cure of breast disorders.

Measurement of the knowledge level about breast self-exam among the female employees of a university hospital, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Periodic mammography, clinical breast examination and breast self-exam (BSE) facilitate getting a therapeutic response and improve disease prognosis, by leading to early diagnosis of the breast cancer. METHODS: The study included a total of 618 women working in Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, as technician, secretary, staff, midwife and doctor. They answered a 22-items questionnaire consisting of questions about general knowledge, 8 of these were about BSE. RESULTS: While it was statistically significant that the education was not correlated with the age of onset of BSE and timing of BSE, the education was significantly efficient in terms of knowing the aim of the BSE, its frequency, post-menopausal BSE time, nipple discharge properties in the case of breast cancer, diagnostic methods and the risks. While it was statistically significant that the profession was not related to age of onset of BSE and knowing the right day of the month on which BSE should be performed, the education was likely to be efficient in knowing the frequency, post-menopausal BSE time, aim of the BSE, nipple discharge properties in the case of breast cancer, diagnostic methods and the risks. When the percentage of giving right answers to the questions and educational background and professional groups were compared, it was seen that the difference of the number of right answers and professional groups was significant. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we concluded that the education about BSE is warranted in order to increase the likelihood of female healthcare personnel to diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage, given their role in raising the awareness of the population.

Análise das fontes de informação sobre os autoexames da mama disponíveis na Internet / Analysis of information sources about breast self examination available on the Internet

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as informações sobre autoexame da mama disponíveis ao público da internet. Método: Estudo descritivo documental, cujo universo foi composto pelos sites "Google®" e "Yahoo®", utilizando-se o descritor "autoexame de mama". Buscaram-se os 50 primeiros resultados. As páginas Web foram analisadas pelos critérios da American Medical Association e da Health on the Net. Resultados: Foram selecionadas e analisadas 68 páginas. A maioria dos sites era de domínio comercial, seis governamentais e cinco portugueses. Mais da metade tinham restrições quanto ao critério de autoridade e autoria; 61% não apresentavam meio de contato e 52,94% consideravam o autoexame como parte de um conjunto de medidas; 26,47% possuíam o conteúdo baseado em evidências, preciso e completo; 33,82% possuíam referências dos conteúdos. Páginas-Web governamentais, de instituições de saúde ou profissionais possuíam restrições com relação ao conteúdo ou apresentação. Conclusões: As informações sobre autoexame de mama são heterogêneas. Poucas páginas demonstraram preocupação com critérios de qualidade, tanto da construção quanto do conteúdo. A maior parte das informações não está baseada em evidências e que podem trazer danos ao paciente. Há necessidade de melhorar a qualidade das páginas Web que abordam o tema.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the information about breast self examination available on the Internet. Methods: A descriptive documental study was performed via a search on the Google®and Yahoo® websites using the phrase "breast self examination" in Portuguese, and the first 50 results from each site were analyzed using the criteria of the American Medical Association and Health on the Net. Results: 68 sites were selected and analyzed. Most of the sites were in the commercial domain, six were governmental sites and five were Portuguese sites. More than half had restrictions regarding criteria of authority and authorship; 61% did not have contact details and 52.94% considered breast self exam as part of a set of measures; 26.47% had correct and complete evidence-based content; 33.82% had context references. Government WebPages of health or professional institutions had restrictions regarding content or presentation. Conclusions: The information about breast self exam is heterogeneous. Only a small number of websites were concerned about quality criteria, both in terms of construction and content. The bulk of the information available is not evidence-based and there is potentially dangerous information for the patient. It is necessary to improve the quality of websites dealing with breast self exam.

Conocimientos de los factores de riesgo sobre cáncer de mama en Puerto La Cruz, estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Knowledge of the risk factors more about breast cancer in puerto la cruz, state of Anzoátegui Venezuela

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es un problema de salud en el mundo; en Venezuela, ocupa la segunda causa de muerte en la población femenina. Objetivo: determinar el conocimiento sobre cáncer de mama. Pacientes y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal con 1 525 mujeres entre 25 y 64 años que acudieron a la consulta de Barrio Adentro I, del Municipio Puerto La Cruz, Estado Anzoátegui, en el período comprendido entre julio del 2005-julio 2006. Resultados: las variables fueron analizadas predominando el nivel educacional primario y como ocupación ama de casa. El conocimiento acerca de los factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama fue muy pobre. No conocen el procedimiento para efectuarse el autoexamen de mama; sin embargo, refieren que su examen sirve para prevenir el cáncer mamario. Acuden a consulta solo cuando tienen algún síntoma, a pesar de que nunca realizan un control médico. Refieren que el control frecuente de las mamas es importante. Las fuentes de información para el conocimiento del cáncer de mama fueron los vecinos y/o familiares y no así el personal de salud. Conclusiones: la falta de conocimiento acerca del cáncer de mama pudiera estar en relación con la dificultad para la identificación de los factores de riesgo y la pobre asistencia a la consulta de control médico. Recomendaciones: diseñar e implementar un plan de acción, evaluando este para que brinde su aporte al aumento del conocimiento de la enfermedad en estudio.

Introduction: breast cancer is a main health problem in the world, as in Venezuela, holding the second death cause in female population. Objective: to determine actual knowledge about breast cancer. Patients and Methods : a descriptive work was carried out with 1525 women in the age range from 25 to 64, who attended our Barrio Adentro doctor´s office in Puerto La Cruz, state of Anzoátegui, from July 2005 to July 2006. Results: variables were analyzed: elementary school educational level and housewives prevailed. Knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was poor. They didn't know the self-examination procedure. Nevertheless they knew that test is for breast cancer prevention. Turned to practice only when symptoms appear, even though didn't make a medical control. They said that breast frequent control is important. Information sources for breast cancer knowledge were relatives and/or neighbors and not healthcare personal. Conclusions: lack of knowledge about breast cancer could be related to difficult identification of risk factors and low attendance to medical control practice. Recommendations: to design and set up an action plan, evaluate it, in order to contribute the studied disease knowledge increase.

Conocimientos de los factores de riesgo sobre cáncer de mama en Puerto La Cruz, estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Knowledge of the risk factors more about breast cancer in puerto la cruz, state of Anzoátegui. Venezuela

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es un problema de salud en el mundo; en Venezuela, ocupa la segunda causa de muerte en la población femenina. Objetivo: determinar el conocimiento sobre cáncer de mama. Pacientes y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal con 1 525 mujeres entre 25 y 64 años que acudieron a la consulta de Barrio Adentro I, del Municipio Puerto La Cruz, Estado Anzoátegui, en el período comprendido entre julio del 2005-julio 2006. Resultados: las variables fueron analizadas predominando el nivel educacional primario y como ocupación ama de casa. El conocimiento acerca de los factores de riesgo para el cáncer de mama fue muy pobre. No conocen el procedimiento para efectuarse el autoexamen de mama; sin embargo, refieren que su examen sirve para prevenir el cáncer mamario. Acuden a consulta solo cuando tienen algún síntoma, a pesar de que nunca realizan un control médico. Refieren que el control frecuente de las mamas es importante. Las fuentes de información para el conocimiento del cáncer de mama fueron los vecinos y/o familiares y no así el personal de salud. Conclusiones: la falta de conocimiento acerca del cáncer de mama pudiera estar en relación con la dificultad para la identificación de los factores de riesgo y la pobre asistencia a la consulta de control médico. Recomendaciones: diseñar e implementar un plan de acción, evaluando este para que brinde su aporte al aumento del conocimiento de la enfermedad en estudio(AU)

Introduction: breast cancer is a main health problem in the world, as in Venezuela, holding the second death cause in female population. Objective: to determine actual knowledge about breast cancer. Patients and Methods : a descriptive work was carried out with 1525 women in the age range from 25 to 64, who attended our Barrio Adentro doctor´s office in Puerto La Cruz, state of Anzoßtegui, from July 2005 to July 2006. Results: variables were analyzed: elementary school educational level and housewives prevailed. Knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was poor. They didn't know the self-examination procedure. Nevertheless they knew that test is for breast cancer prevention. Turned to practice only when symptoms appear, even though didn't make a medical control. They said that breast frequent control is important. Information sources for breast cancer knowledge were relatives and/or neighbors and not healthcare personal. Conclusions: lack of knowledge about breast cancer could be related to difficult identification of risk factors and low attendance to medical control practice. Recommendations: to design and set up an action plan, evaluate it, in order to contribute the studied disease knowledge increase(AU)

Difference of Decisional Balance and Confidence in the Stage of Adoption for Breast Self Exam in Married Women / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was 1) to classify the stage of adoption 2) to compare the decisional balance and confidence by stage of adoption 3) to identify factors influenced the stage of adoption for breast self exam. METHOD: A comparative study using a survey method with convenience sample of 143 women was used. Decisional balance and confidence was measured using the CHBMS-K. Stage of adoption for BSE was measured by a single item modified by the researchers based on the Rakowski et al (1992). RESULT: 1) The number of women in each stage of adoption for BSE was as follows; maintenance phase, 7.7% (n=11), action phase, 49.0% (n=70), contemplation phase, 35.0% (n=50) and pre- contemplation phase, 8.4%(n=12). 2) The mean difference in the decisional balance (F=4.32, p=.006) and confidence (F=13.85, p=.000) according to the stage of BSE adoption was statistically significant. 3) Prevention education and confidence accounted for 32% of variance in BSE. CONCLUSION: Assessment of decisional balance and stage of adoption for BSE can guide planning for cancer prevention education. We must educate women to have confidence in BSE. Further, it is important to urge women to continually practice BSE.