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http://dx.doi.org/10.7314/APJCP.2012.13.1.295

The Effects of Educational Level on Breast Cancer Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey  

Gurdal, Sibel Ozkan (General Surgery Department, Namuk Kemal University)
Saracoglu, Gamze Varol (Public Health Department, Namuk Kemal University)
Oran, Ebru Sen (General Surgery Department, Istanbul Memorial Hospital)
Yankol, Yucel (General Surgery Department, Istanbul Memorial Hospital)
Soybir, Gursel Remzi (General Surgery Department, Namuk Kemal University)
Publication Information
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention / v.13, no.1, 2012 , pp. 295-300 More about this Journal
Abstract
Breast self-examination (BSE) is important for early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). However, the majority of Turkish women do not perform regular BSE. We aimed to evaluate the effects of education level on the attitudes and behaviors of women towards BSE. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 413 women (20-59 years), divided into university graduates (Group I, n = 224) and high school or lower graduates (Group II, n = 189). They completed a 22-item scale assessing the knowledge level, attitudes and behaviors regarding BSE, and the Turkish version of the Champion's Revised Health Belief Model. A significantly higher number of women in Group II did not believe in early diagnosis of BC. A significantly higher number of Group I had conducted BSE at least once, and their BSE frequency was also significantly high. Moreover, a significantly lower number of Group I women considered themselves to not be at risk for BC and the scores for "perceived susceptibility" and "perceived barriers" were significantly higher. Logistic regression analysis identified the university graduate group to have a higher likelihood of performing BSE, by 1.8 times. Higher educational levels were positively associated with BSE performance. Overall, the results suggest that Turkish women, regardless of their education level, need better education on BSE. Consideration of the education level in women will help clinicians develop more effective educational programs, resulting in more regular practice and better use of BSE.
Keywords
Breast cancer; breast self examination; educational level; Champion's Revised Health Belief Model;
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