• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6857-6862
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• 2013

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. All ages are susceptible and more than 90% of the patients can be cured with early diagnosis. Breast self-examination (BSE) and mammography can be useful for this aim. In this study we examined the components of the Champion health belief model to identify if they could predict the intentions of women to perform such screening. Materials and Methods: A total of 380 women aged 30 and above who had referred to health-care centers were assessed for use of breast cancer screening over the past year with a modified health belief model questionnaire. Logistic regression was applied to identify leading independent predictors. Results: In this study 27% of the women performed BSE in the last year but only 6.8% of them used mammography as a way of screening. There were significant differences regarding all components of the model except for perceived severity between women that underwent BSE. over the past year and those that did not. Findings were similar for mammography. Regression analysis revealed that intentions to perform BSE were predicted by perceived self-efficacy and perceived barriers to BSE while intentions to perform mammography were predicted by perceived barriers. Conclusions: This study indicated that self-efficacy can support performance of BSE while perceived barriers are important for not performing both BSE and mammography. Thus we must educate women to increase their self-efficacy and decrease their perceived barriers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.161-166
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• 2016

Iranian women are at high risk of low compliance with repeat mammography due to a lack of awareness about breast cancer, negative previous experiences, cultural beliefs, and no regular visits to a physician. Thus research is needed to explore factors associated with repeated mammography participation. Applying the concept of perceived risk as the guiding model, this study aimed to test the fit and strength of the relationship between perceived risk and physician recommendation in explaining repeat mammography. A total of 601 women, aged 50 years and older referred to mammography centers in region 6, were recruited via a convenience sampling method. Using path analysis, family history of breast cancer and other types of cancer were modeled as antecedent perceived risk, and physician recommendation and knowledge were modeled as an antecedent of the number of mammography visits. The model explained 49% of the variance in repeat mammography. The two factors of physician recommendation and breast self-examination had significant direct effects (P < 0.05) on repeat mammography. Perceived risk, knowledge, and family history of breast cancer had significant indirect effects on repeat mammography through physician recommendation. The results of this study provide a background for further research and interventions not only on Iranian women but also on similar cultural groups and immigrants who have been neglected to date in the mammography literature.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2549-2554
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• 2016

Background: Early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control in terms of outcome and survival. Thus far the only breast cancer screening method proven effective is mammography. The awareness of female health care workers (HCW) about breast cancer prevention is of vital importance, as their beliefs and behavior may have a major impact on other women. This study was designed to assess mammography screening uptake among female healthcare workers at primary healthcare centers, and to identify the primary motivators and barriers that affect uptake results. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study design was used to assess mammography screening by 299 female healthcare workers who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographics, screening uptake, motivators and barriers. Results: The mean age was 46 years (within age of risk). The majority (95.1%) demonstrated adequate knowledge about breast cancer and mammography screening and 50% of the participants reported having at least one mammogram; however only 21% of them had regularly scheduled mammograms. The most frequent reported motivator was the perceived benefit that early detection of breast cancer is important for its management (89.6%), followed by the belief that mammography can detect breast cancer before its symptoms appear (84.4%). On the other hand, the most frequent barrier reported was being busy (46.7%), followed by the lack of perceived susceptibility (41.5%). Conclusions: Mammography screening was found to be sub-optimal in a population of HCW's with 50 % stating that they received a mammogram at least once, and a minority reported regular screening. There is a pressing need for educational programs aimed at removing the barriers that limit compliance with recommendations for mammography screening, and to emphasize the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of screening services, particularly for healthcare workers within their work settings are other important factors that would improve the acceptance and compliance for mammography screening programs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.331-339
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• 2001

This study was conducted to examine the predicting factors for the intention of breastfeeding with The Theory of Planned Behavior. The questionnaires were distributed to 131 primigravidas who were in their third trimester of pregnancy in Seoul, Kyonggido, Kyongsangbukdo, and Kyongsnagnamdo. Descriptive statistics, Pearsons Correlation and Multiple Regression were used to analyse the data. The subjects showed strong intention of breastfeeding. The subjects showed favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding. This fact showed significant correlation with the belief that their breastfeeding intention was due to the advantage of breast milk for the infant with regard to allergy prevention, disease protection, contribution to intellectual development, psychological closeness between mother and infant, convenience, cost, and the reduction of breast cancer risk and weight of the mother. No item of outcome evaluation did showed significant correlation with behavioral intension. The subjects were influenced about breastfeeding by their referents such as siblings and friends with breastfeeding experience, their mothers and husbands, and mothers-in-law. Most items of the control beliefs had a significant influence on the intention of breastfeeding. The subjects felt they could not control the situation ie. "when I have to breastfeed in public". However they felt they could control the situation ie. "when I suffer from mastitis", "when I have to cut down on coffee, alcohol, and smoking", "when I have Caesarean section", "when I need to maintain breast condition", and "when the infant hates to suck my nipple". Regression analysis revealed that control beliefs and attitudes toward breastfeeding could predict the behavioral intention of breastfeeding. Control beliefs were the most important factor in predicting behavioral intention. Therefore, nutrition education is needed to enhance the ability to cope with difficult situations while breastfeeding and increase faborable attitudes toward breastfeeding.eding and increase faborable attitudes toward breastfeeding.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.583-591
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spirituality and a fighting spirit among the patients with cancer. Methods: The participants were 223 patients diagnosed stomach, colorectal or breast cancer, and who were in chemotherapy or follow up care. The study design was cross-sectional at the time of the data collection. The degree of spirituality was measured by the Korean version of WHOQOL Spirituality, Religiousness and Personal Beliefs (SRPB) Pilot Test Module, and fighting spirit was measured by the scores of Mental Adjustment to Cancer(MAC) scale. Results: The score of love appeared to be higher in the patients with follow up care than the patients with treatment(p<0.05) and the score of believing was much higher in patients with recurrence than the patients without (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation among hope, believing, love, forgiveness and acceptance, and fighting spirit. In the multiple regression analysis, hope and believing explained much variance of the fighting spirit. Conclusion: These finding showed that the more hopeful and believing patients with cancer had higher scores of fighting spirit, which was known to be one of the most active coping style in adjusting to cancer.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2012

Objectives : With the increase in cancer prevalence, the health behavior of cancer survivors has become an important issue. This study was conducted to examine the psychosocial correlates of behavior changes after cancer diagnosis. Methods : 95 patients completed questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress symptoms, social constraints, personal beliefs about cancer cause and health-related behavior changes after cancer diagnosis. Results : In the multiple logistic regression analysis, insomnia was the only significant predictor of positive change in physical behavior : normal sleep group(Odds ratio=9.462, 95% CI 1.738-51.509) and subthreshold insomnia group(Odds ratio=10.529, 95% CI 1.701-65.161) showed a larger increase compared to the insomnia group. In psychosocial behavior, low age, religion and causal belief in hormonal factors were independent factors that predicted increase in positive change. Conclusions : This study showed a difference between predictors of physical and psychosocial health behavior change after breast cancer diagnosis. Multi-faceted approaches are required to promote positive change in health behavior in cancer patients.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.281-291
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify the influencing factors on the breast self-examination performance among nursing students. The data collection period was from April 12 to April 26, 2021. Data was gathered from 240 nursing students by using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and a stepwise regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. As the result of this study, the factors influencing breast self-examination perfomance were found to be breast self-examination and dietary habits with the explanatory power of these variables being 14.2%(F=19.53, 𝜌<.001). Based on this study, further study may be needed to evaluate the dietary habits of nursing students so that they can practice proper eating behavior. In addition, to maximize the educational effect, there may need to be a development of programs aimed to prevent breast cancer among nursing students.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.1443-1450
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• 2005

Purpose. The study was conducted to identify predictors of mammography screening for rural Korean women according to 'Stage of Change' from the Transtheoretical Model which, along with the Health Belief Model, formed the theoretical basis for this study. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. Through convenience sampling 432 women were selected from 2 rural areas. Data were collected by survey. Health beliefs constructs were measured with Champion's HBM Scale-Korea version. Mammography participation was measured using the Stage of Mammography Adoption Scale developed. by Rakowski, et al.(1992). Results. The most frequent stage of mammography adoption was 'contemplation' ($40.5\%$). Predictors of stage of mammography adoption included 'mammogram recommended by health professional' (beta==0.59, t=16.12, p=.000), 'perceived benefits' (beta=0.09, t=2.21, p=.050), 'perceived susceptibility' (beta=0.09, t=1.98, p=.050), and 'perceived barriers' (beta=-0.07, t=-2.05, p=.041). 'Mammogram recommended by health professional' demonstrated the greatest association with having a mammogram. Conclusion. Health professionals play key roles in improving mammography participation and should recognize the importance of their role in cancer prevention and be more actively involved in education and counseling on prevention of breast cancer.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.353-361
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• 2020

Objectives: An inadequate understanding of infertility can affect individuals' self-efficacy and ability to perform self-care; thus, reproductive health education is an important part of infertility treatment. The present qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and educational needs of infertile women with regard to reproductive health. Methods: In this qualitative study, we utilized a content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was performed to ensure maximum diversity. In total, 23 individual interviews were conducted with 20 Iranian women with infertility and 3 key informants between July 2018 and February 2019 in northern Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach. Results: Reproductive health education needs were identified by analyzing interview data from 4 main categories: familiarity with the fertility process and preparation for pregnancy, recognition of infertility and expectations around seeking treatment, recognition of preventive actions associated with reproductive health, and correction of false beliefs. Recognizing the causes of infertility and understanding the different approaches to infertility treatment are among the most important educational needs of infertile women. The potential for neglect of health-related issues due to concerns about fertility and the maternal experience necessitates education about preventive measures for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections. Correcting misconceptions, including those related to contraceptives and traditional medicine, can also help promote reproductive health. Conclusions: In infertile women, the educational needs associated with reproductive health are multifaceted. Satisfying these needs can help achieve optimal treatment results and promote reproductive health.