• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2075-2081
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in North-Eastern Brazil and the patients with the disease often presented at advanced stages. The present study was focused on identifying variables that affect women's frequency of breast self- examination (BSE) performance. Materials and Methods: Data on BSE, socio-economic parameters and risk factors for breast cancer were obtained from 417 women from a community in North-Eastern Brazil by a self-informant method. To identify independent variables that affect frequency of BSE, nominal logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Of 417 women, 330 (79.3%) reported performing BSE. Compared to high-income women, BSE performance by low-income women every month was 7.69 (OD=0.130; CI 95%: 0.044- 0.0386; p=0.000) times lower. Women who did not live in a stable union performed BSE each month 2.73 (OD=0.366; CI 95%: 0.171-0.782; p=0.010) less often than those living in a stable union. BSE performance every month and every six months or every year by women with poor knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was 3.195 (OD=0.313; CI 95%: 0.141- 0.695; p=0.004) times and 2.028 (OD=0.493; CI 95%: 0.248- 0.979; p=0.043) times lower, compared to women with good knowledge. Participants who had a close relative with cancer performed BSE every month and every six months or every year 2.132 (OD=0.469; CI 95%: 0.220-0.997; p=0.049) times and 2.337 (OD=0.428; CI 95%: 0.219-0.836; p=0.013) times less often, compared to those women without close relatives with cancer. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that income, marital status, knowledge about risk factors and having a close relative with breast cancer, affect the frequency of BSE performance. Information about risk factors in public health campaigns could additionally strengthen avoidance behaviour and also motivate BSE performance.

• 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 Adult Nursing
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.397-408
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• 2001

Currently, breast cancer ranks third among women' s cancers, and as its incidence is increasing, the incidence age is also becoming lower. Therefore it is necessary to address breast cancer for women in their twenties. As there is no way presently to prevent breast cancer, it is imperative that women take available interventions against predisposing factors. It is thus advisable that women acquire the necessary skills to recognize their own health status. The purposes of this study were to identify the effects of education on breast self-examination (BSE) through supportive education among college women during the period from August 2000 to February 2001, and to attempt to design an effective BSE educational program. The first class was implemented through lectures, pamphlets, videotapes, breast palpation on cloths, demonstration and practice for identification of breast masses through palpation using breast model. Supportive education was implemented bimonthly to the experimental group, and effects of the education between experimental and control groups were compared 6 months later. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1. The effects on supportive education of college women in BSE 1) The mean score of retained knowledge about breast cancer and BSE was 30.88 in the experimental group, and 29.66 in the control group and significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -2.062, p= 0.041). 2) Frequency of BSE practice was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group($\chi^2=0.045$, p=0,012). 3) The mean accuracy score in BSE practice was 19.10 in the experimental group, and 18.29 in the control group; accuracy was higher in the experimental group than in the control(t= -2.035, p= 0.444). 4) The mean score of self-efficacy was 35.05 in the experimental group, and 31.22 in the control group. The experimental group mean score was higher(t=-3.016, p=0.003). 2. There was a statistically significant correlation between self-efficacy and accuracy of BSE(r=0.447, p=0.000), knowledge of breast cancer and BSE(r= 0.306, p=0.000) and frequency of BSE(r=0,259, p=0,002) but no significant correlation between knowledge of breast cancer and BSE and frequency of BSE (r=0.071, p=0.403). On the basis of this study, periodic supportive education can increase knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, frequency of BSE, accuracy of BSE and self-efficacy. Suggestions: 1. There is a need to compare the effects of individual programs to acquire BSE behaviors in the young. 2. Further research is needed to test the continuity of the effects of BSE education.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.307-314
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• 2004

Purpose: This cross-sectional survey was undertaken to examine the differences of BSE (breast-self examination) performance and health beliefs between Korean and Korean-American women and to identify which factors influence the BSE based on the HBM variables. Method: The study subjects were recruited from both Korea(189 women) and Cleveland in Ohio, USA(I46 women). The HBM variables were measured using a reliable and valid Health Belief Model Scale. The subjects were also asked whether or not they did a BSE in the last year. Result: The Korean-American women who performed the BSE was statistically higher than that of Korean women. Regarding to the BSE-related health belief, the scores of benefits, confidence, and health motivation was significantly higher in Korean-American. After controlling for living places, age, education, and job, barriers and confidence variables significantly explained the BSE performance of Korean and Korean-American women. Conclusion: There was a differences in BSE-related health belief and performance between Korean and Korean-American women. Among health belief variables, barriers and confidence were core variables predicting the BSE performance of Korean and Korean-American women together.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.721-727
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• 2005

Purpose. This cross-sectional survey was conducted to described the compliance of Breast Self-Examination of middle-aged women using a convenient sample, and to examine relationships between the compliance of BSE and Health Beliefs, and the influencing factors on the compliance of BSE. Methods. The subjects were 373 literate volunteers who were from 41 to 60 years of age who visited 6 public health centers. From June 7, 2004 to August 20, 2004, data were collected by 5 research assistants using a self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire was used to obtain information on the general characteristics, knowledge, health beliefs, and compliance of BSE. Results. The findings of this study suggested that there were significant differences in the scores of the perceived susceptibility and severity between compliers and non-compliers of the BSE. BSE compliance was significantly correlated with knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity. The most powerful predictor of BSE compliance was the perceived susceptibility. The perceived susceptibility, the perceived severity, the knowledge and educational level accounted for $41.8\%$ of the variance in middle aged women's BSE compliance. Conclusion. Increase in knowledge about breast cancer, with a concomitant increase in both perceived susceptibility and perceived severity could produce a subtle cue or motivating force sufficient to affect a behavior change. Further research is needed to examine the qualitative difference between BSE and other early detection behaviors.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.147-157
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• 2017

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice toward breast self-examination (BSE) among middle and high school girls. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using self-report questionnaires. Participants were 412 students, 137 middle and 275 high school girls. Data were collected from December 7 to 23, 2016 and analyzed using t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The percentage of correct answers for knowledge about breast self-examination among middle and high school girls was 29.2%. The mean score for practice ($5.89{\pm}0.10$) among middle and high school girls was low. For knowledge, there were significant differences according to grade (t=5.93, p<.001), having heard about BSE (t=4.02, p<.001), experience of BSE (t=2.51, p=.012), and need for education (t=3.37, p=.001). In practice, there were significant differences according to having heard about BSE (t=3.64, p<.001), experience of BSE (t=2.64, p=.017). Knowledge level of BSE positively correlated with practice of BSE (r=.21, p<.001). Conclusion: Research results suggest that education on BSE for middle and high school girls is needed to increase the possibility of early detection of breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.77-90
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to identify the influencing factors on the compliance of breast self-examination (BSE) among 205 Christian women living in Pusan and U1san areas. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used. Knowledge levels were measured by the instrument developed by Choi(l996). Self- efficacy and health belief were measured by the instruments developed by Champion (1993) and modified by Choi(1996). Women who did BSE more than once within 6 months were categorised as compliant. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, t- test, χ² test and logistic regression analysis using SPSS WIN program. The results of this study were summarized as follows； 1. 15.1％ of women performed the BSE at least once during the last 6 months. 2. Non-complier and compliant women showed statistically significant differences in the level of self efficacy and barriers. 3. Predictors of BSE compliance were ‘history of having breast disease’, ‘experience of receiving recommendation for BSE’, ‘barriers’, and ‘experience of meeting with breast cancer patients’ and explained 14.8％ of variance in compliance of BSE. For future clinical practice, health professionals, including nurses, need to actively suggest to women the importance of BSE, and to distribute the information through posters and pamphlets at clinics and public health centers. Including the opportunity to meet patients in health education centers can be another strategy to increase women's motivation for BSE. For future research, it is necessary to recruit women from broader geographic areas utilizing various sources such as community centers to increase generalizability of the findings.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.88-98
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• 2011

Purpose: This study aims to determine obstetrics nurses knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE), and to contribute to the early detection of breast cancer during breastfeeding periods. Methods: For the survey, 163 individuals (obstetric nurses) were chosen by convenience sampling and agreed to participate in the study. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer and BSE. Results: Knowledge and attitude averaged $70.45{\pm}10.90$ (of 100) and $3.64{\pm}0.27$ (of 5), respectively. While most nurses (99%) recognized the importance of BSE, only 58.9% experienced BSE. BSE practice level averaged $8.35{\pm}1.96$ (of 12). Only 20.2% had recommended BSE to their clients. Practice level varied significantly for different marital status, breastfeeding experience, and education, while knowledge and attitude remained independent. Nurses who had experienced mammogram or breast ultrasonogram themselves scored higher in knowledge. Attitude was higher for nurses who received recommendation for BSE, performed BSE, received BSE education, or recommended BSE to clients. Practice level was higher for nurses who received BSE education or willing to perform BSE in future. Practice level had a positive correlation with attitude but no correlation to knowledge. Conclusion: Obstetric nurses need continuing education for practicing BSE. Practical BSE education can not only promote preventive behavior of nurses, but it can also improve the breast health management of obstetrical clients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7161-7164
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• 2013

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. This study was conducted to compare the awareness of breast cancer and the practice of breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography screening among rural females in Pahang and Perak. A cross-sectional study was carried out in five selected rural districts of Pahang and Perak. Two hundred and fifty households were randomly selected and interviewed face to face using a semi-structured questionnaire. The majority of residents from both states were Malay, aged between 50 and 60 years and had a secondary level of education. Malay women aged 40-49 years and women with a higher level of education were significantly more aware of breast cancer (p<0.05). About half of these women practiced BSE (60.7%) and CBE (56.1%), and 7% had underwent mammography screening. The results of this study suggest that women in Pahang and Perak have good awareness of breast cancer and that more than half practice BSE and CBE. The women's level of education appears to contribute to their level of knowledge and health behaviour. However, more effort is needed to encourage all women in rural areas to acquire further knowledge on breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.3849-3854
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women worldwide; lack of awareness of symptoms and delay on diagnosis of breast cancer are the main causes of mortality among women. This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing the effect of educational consulting for breast self-examination (BSE) based on the health belief model (HBM) on the knowledge and performance of women over 40 years attending health care centers in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, eligible women admitted to health centers in Hamadan city in 2015 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n=75 in each group). The intervention group received 4 weekly sessions of breast cancer screening consulting based on the HBM. Control group received only routine care. Knowledge, HBM constructs, and BSE practice were compared between the groups before, immediately after and three months after the consultation. Results: Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed in knowledge, health belief and practice between two groups. However, after the intervention a significant difference was observed between two groups in mean scores of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy and the health motivations (p <0.05). Significant differences were also observed in terms of knowledge and BSE practice (p <0.01). Conclusions: The results indicate the importance of consultation on knowledge and beliefs to improve BSE performance and prevention of breast cancer in Iranian women.