• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.718-728
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• 1998

Breast self-examination is the most effective and easiest way for women to increase the responsible consciousness about their health. The purpose of this study was to test the variables impacted to promote breast self-examination practice. The research design used in this study was a nonequevalent control group of a non-synchronized design. The sample that was assembled consisted of 124 women. A purposive sample consisted of 124 women. Each subject was given to assessed on the following the demographic data related to the breast self-examination, knowledge of self-examination, accuracy, in performing self-examination, self-efficacy about breast cancer and breast self-examination, and the number of subjects who found a mass. The result of this study may be summarized as follows : 1. To examine the theretical model fit to the data, chi square test statistics and goodness of fit index were identified($\chi$$^2$=2.30, df=2, GFI=0.99, AGFI=0.94 RMSR=0.02, NFI=0.99, NNFI=0.99, Critical Number=439). 2. The direct effects of education of breast self-examination were knowledge, self-efficacy, accuracy, number finding a mass. But the Indirect effect of education on breast self-examination was frequency of breast self-examination. 3. Knowlege, as direct paths to the breast self-examination practices, was removed in the theoretical model. The parsimonious best fit model included self-efficacy, accuracy, the number finding mass, frequency of breast self-examination practices. 4. The final model produced a chi-square=5.58(p=0.35) with df=5, and GFI =0.99, AGFI =0.94, RMSR=0.03, NFI=0.99, NNFI=0.99, CN=339 indicating very a good fit. Based on the result of this study, education of breast self-examination is very effective for increasing the competency of the breast self-examination through the knowledge and self-efficacy. Resources to promote self-efficacy may be helpful to increase the frequency of self-examination because self-efficacy is a direct effect on it. These findings suggest the need to develop nursing strategy to promote the self-efficacy of breast self-examination.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.717-726
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• 2000

This study was undertaken to examine the degree of knowledge and compliance of breast self-examination with women. The subjects for this study were 474 women aged 35-65 receiving health examination from Yonsu-ku Public Health Service Center in Inchon. Data collection was conducted through the use of 2 questionnaires. Analysis of the data was done by used of descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study were as follows: 1. There were significant differences in the breast self-examination compliance rate according to age(F=5.82, p=.000), marital status(F=2.67, p=.047), educational level (F=5.83, p=.000) and household income (F=3.41, p=.018). 2. The correct answer rate for each items of breast self-examination knowledge scale was between 14.1% of a minimum rate and 65.0% for a maximum rate of 100. The degree of knowledge for relation of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination shows relatively low understanding. 3. The average score of breast self-examination was 1.34 from a maximum score of 6. The score of breast self-examination with palpation methods was higher than with inspection methods. 4. A positive correlation was found between breast self-examination knowledge and compliance rate (r=.417, p=.001). According to the results, it is necessary to provide knowledge of the relationship of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, and the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination. Also, it is necessary to provide detail guidance for inspection methods and develop a program for promoting the compliance of breast self-examination.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.187-198
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and the ability of women toward breast self-examination and to identify factors that may influence the ability of breast examination. The subjects for this study were 105 women in a community health center located in Busan. Data was collected during the period from September I to 20, 2002 by means of a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the SPSS WIN 10.0 program and included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. The results of study are as follows： 1. The mean knowledge score for the total sample was 9.62 and the mean attitude score was 62.95. The mean self- practice score was 5.79. 2. Women's knowledge about breast self-examination was significantly related to attitudes and the ability of women toward breast self-examination (p＜0.05). 3. The ability of women toward breast self-examination was significantly related to attitudes about breast self-examination (p＜0.05). 4. According to the results of stepwise multiple regression analysis, factors affecting women's ability of breast self-examination were practice of breast self-examination and level of education and explained 19.7％ of variance. From the results of this study it can be said that women need to be taught proper breast self-examination so that they can become more proficient in detecting breast abnormalities.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.73-82
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to test the fitness and explainable power of TPB-SE model to the behavior of breast self examination and it was to examine effectiveness of education for Intention and behavior of breast self examination. The subjects were 122 womens under baby sitting teachers' training programs at "S"college on Po Hang city, Kyung Pook province from May 10, 1998 through October 17, 1998. Among 122 subjects, 61 were placed in experimental group and 61 in control group. The experimental group was treated by researcher who administered booklet, slide and breast model. Collected data were analyzed through $X^2$-test, t-test, MANOVA, ANCOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient via SPSS/PC and applied LISREL 8.0 programs to test TPB-SE model. The result of this study was summarized as follows: 1. TPB-SE model with additions of self efficacy from TPB fits well for predictive factors of behavior of breast self examination and it also fits well for data (GFI=.91, $R^2$=.45). 2. Behavior score of breast self examination in the experimental group with already educated with breast self examination was significantly higher than that of control group (Wilks's value=.711, p=000). Through the results of this study, TPB-SE model with additions of self efficacy from TPB fits well for predictive factors of behavior of breast self examination and the education of breast self examination was effective to improving intention and behavior of breast self examination. I herewith reached final conclusions that the behavior of breast self examination should be regarded as one of health behavior for all women and the health education to women for breast self examination will be important job role for all nurses. In addition to above, the intervention through effective education designed for improving attitude, subjective norm, perceived control, self efficacy and intentions will be necessary step for any improvement of women' health behavior.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.496-506
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to analyze the affecting factors on breast self-examination of middle-aged women in Korea. The subjects were 141 women on Jeju Island, and materials were collected through an organized questionnaire from March to August 2002. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, $x^2$-test. A-nova and Discriminant analysis by the SAS program. The major results are as follows: 1. 53% of the subjects performed the breast self-examination. The practice of breast self-examination was correlated with the education level, income, low salt diet, more than 30 minutes of regular exercise. 2. Attitudes towards breast self-examination were not a significant practice regarding breast self-examination. However, the cognition about difficulty of breast self-examination partly showed an important barrier factor to the positive attitude. 3. The average self-efficacy concerning breast self-examination was 3.03. The stages of change related to the subjects showed that a contemplation stage was high. 4. With a stepwise multiple regression, the most significant factor on self-efficacy related with breast self-examination was the contemplation stage, 30-40 aged women. high income, regular exercise, low salt diet, family cancer history, etc. 5. With the discriminant analysis, the most important factors related with the practice of the breast self-examination were income and self-efficacy. The power of discriminant was 59%. The results of this study suggests that programs should be developed to promote practice and the self-efficacy related with breast self-examination.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.719-731
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• 2002

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge, attitude, and practice of middle-aged women breast self-examination, and to develop a breast self-examination promotion program for them. Method: The subjects of the study were 365 middle-aged women in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Gyeongbok, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Gangwon, and Kyonggi. The instruments used in this study included knowledge (l6items), attitude (22items) by Choi (1996) and practice (1item). The data were collected from September 15 to October 31, 2001 by using self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, $x^2$ test, t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test with SPSS program. Results: 1) 78.4% of the subjects were educated for breast self-examination. The most common source of knowledge for the breast self-examination was mess media. 2) The average score of knowledge on breast self-examination was 8.52 points. The average score of attitude toward breast self-examination was 3.08 points. 58.3% of the subjects practiced breast self-examination. But only 9.4% of the subjects practiced breast self-examination with a monthly basis. 3) Knowledge on breast self-examination was correlated with demographic variables including residence (F=2.923, p=0.004), education (F=5.145 p=0.000), number of children (F=5.125 p=0.002), family income (F=6.128 p=0.002), and menopause (t=-2.330, p= 0.020). Attitude toward breast self-examination was correlated with demographic variables including residence (F=3.611, p=0.000), age (F=2.731 p= 0.029), education (F=4.480 p=0.004), and family income (F=5.963 p=0.003). Practice of breast self-examination was correlated with demographic variables including residence ($x^2$=51.342, p=0.000), education ($x^2$=19.896, p=0.000), and menopause ($x^2$=9.841, p=0.000). 4) In terms of correlations among the scores of breast self-examination related knowledge, attitude, and practice, there was a correlation between knowledge and attitude. But there was no correlations between knowledge and practice, and between attitude and practice of breast self-examination. Conclusion: This study suggests that programs about the practice of breast self examination need to be developed in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.243-246
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• 2012

Objective: While the relatively common nature of female breast cancer has resulted in a high level of general awareness, male breast cancer is still comparatively unknown to the general public and to healthcare professionals. The objective of this study is to explore the perceptions and opinions about male breast cancer and male breast self-examination among male university students. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted among 36 male university students from the Management and Science University, Malaysia, selected by simple random sampling. The themes of the interview were: knowledge of male breast cancer and male breast self-examination, sources of knowledge and attitudes towards male BSE. The data obtained were classified into various categories and analyzed manually. Results: The majority of participants mentioned that there is a low possibility for males to get breast cancer. They also believed that the cause of breast cancer among men is due to the carcinogens from cigarettes. The majority of participants mentioned that they know about breast self-examination from the mass media and that the presence of a lump in the breast is the main symptom of breast cancer in men. The majority of participants mentioned that they encourage their family members to practice breast self-examination but considered that BSE is not important for men because they have a low probability of getting breast cancer. Conclusions: Misconceptions regarding male breast cancer and breast self-examination among men still exist among male university students. Therefore especial attention should be given to educate men about male breast cancer and male BSE.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.136-146
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-efficacy promotion programs on self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Methods: This study was conducted from November 1, 2009 to December 10, 2010. A total of 39 breast cancer patients, who received radiotherapy in a University hospital located in city B, participated in the study and were divided into two groups (experimental group 17 and control group 22). The data were analyzed with the ${\chi}^2$-test and ANCOVA using the SPSS/Win 17.0 program. Results: Self-efficacy promotion programs aimed at self-management were effective in enhancing concrete self-efficacy but not effective in promoting general self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and quality of life among breast cancer patients who have received radiotherapy. Conclusion: Organizing a support group for the breast cancer patients seems to be highly necessary to help themselves obtain higher level of specific self-efficacy, self-care behavior, and quality of life in general. It will also be beneficial for the breast cancer patients to understand their unique situations and improve their health problems for themselves.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1277-1284
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• 2016

Background: Early detection is a critical part of reducing the burden of breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) has been found to be an especially important early detection strategy in low and middle income countries such as Malaysia. Although reports indicate that Malaysian women report an increase in BSE activity in recent years, additional research is needed to explore factors that may help to increase this behavior among Southeastern Asian women. Objective: This study is the first of its kind to explore how the predicting variables of self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and body image factors correlate with self-reports of past BSE, and intention to conduct future breast self-exams among female students in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Through the analysis of data collected from a prior study of female students from nine Malaysian universities (n=842), this study found that self-efficacy, perceived barriers and specific body image sub-constructs (MBSRQ-Appearance Scales) were correlated with, and at times predicted, both the likelihood of past BSE and the intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. Results: Self-efficacy (SE) positively predicted the likelihood of past self-exam behavior, and intention to conduct future breast self-exams. Perceived barriers (BR) negatively predicted past behavior and future intention of breast self-exams. The body image sub-constructs of appearance evaluation (AE) and overweight preoccupation (OWP) predicted the likelihood of past behavior but did not predict intention for future behavior. Appearance orientation (AO) had a somewhat opposite effect: AO did not correlate with or predict past behavior but did correlate with intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. The body image sub-constructs of body area satisfaction (BASS) and self-classified weight (SCW) showed no correlation with the subjects' past breast self-exam behavior nor with their intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate that both self-efficacy and perceived barriers to BSE are significant psychosocial factors that influence BSE behavior. These results suggest that health promotion interventions that help enhance self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers have the potential to increase the intentions of Malaysian women to perform breast self-exams, which can promote early detection of breast cancers. Future research should evaluate targeted communication interventions for addressing self-efficacy and perceived barriers to breast self-exams with at-risk Malaysian women. and further explore the relationship between BSE and body image.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.61-78
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• 2001

The purpose of this research was to find out plans to promote the fulfillment of the breast self-examination and breast cancer screening, which is preventive health behavior about women's having breast cancer exam in some part of our country with searching for the primary causes which have an effect on their fulfillment. The subjects of the study were 540 literate volunteers who were of age from 20 to 69 and who visited 8 health centers in Taegu. The survey research was made through questionares in the 8 health centers in Taegu from the 15th to the 30th of September, 1998. Based on Becker's health belief model asking medical staff's opinions with bibliographies, the major findings from the survey was as follow. The fulfillment rate of the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening was 37.8％(204 subjects), 27.6％ (149 subjects) each. Getting breast self-exam varied significantly depending on subject's age, income of family, religion, occupation and the number of children. As far as the breast cancer screening was concerned, there was remarkably significant difference in accordance with their age, marital status, religion, occupation, income of family, the number of children, ways of nursing and parturition age of the first baby. The subjects in their forties accounted for the highest rate. Based on the fulfillment of the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening, the average points of all the variables presented from the health belief as well as the points of the susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, knowledge and level of health concern of interest in health were significantly higher than the points of non-fulfillment of them in the statistical analysis whereas the barriers was lower than them. In consequence of the multiple-logistic regression analysis putting the breast self-examination and the breast cancer screening in dependent variables, occupation, knowledge, seriousness, benefits, barriers and cues to action had significant effects on breast self-examination against breast cancer. Looking more attainments, thinking diseases more seriously, feeling more usefulness and there being any patient around with breast cancer led to the higher rate of the breast self-examination against it. On the other hand, feeling more impedition as well as housewives caused the lower rate of it. The breast cancer screening was significantly affected by age, sensitivity, usefulness, impedition and behavior momentum as well. The cases who are older, feeling more sensitivity against breast cancer, more usefulness of the examination and where any patient around, the fulfillment rate was higher. Contrarily the more impedition they felt, the lower the fulfillment rate was. Accordingly, the study of the causes, which have significant effects on the fulfillment of the self-examination and the breast cancer screening in order to find it in an early stage, and the development of health education programs as well as proper education for public health through carrying on campaigns and stepping up public relations must be indispensable.