Health beliefs and breast cancer screening behaviors among Iranian female health workers.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a serious health problem. Early detection is crucial for optimal treatment and reducing mortality. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate health beliefs concerning performance of breast self- examination (BSE) and mammography in a sample of Iranian female health workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed among 441 female health care workers (physicians=88, nurses=163, midwives=38, officers=68, and others=84) in 3 different health centers in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and then Persian version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 34.7±13.7. It was found that 41.9% of the workers performed BSE in the past and 14.9% of them regularly, but only 10.6% of them had undergone a mammogram. Perceived barriers to BSE (F=6.351, P=0.021) and mammography (F=5.214, p=0.022) were significantly higher in officers than physicians, nurses or midwives. Perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE and mammography, but not significant (p=0.34 and p=0.56, respectively). Furthermore, perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits of the workers who had BSE and mammography were significantly higher than who did not (p<0.05). Perceived seriousness was not a significant variable in BSE and mammography (p=0.71 and p=0.43, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The health beliefs of health workers concerning the perceived susceptibility of breast cancer and the perceived benefits BSE and mammography significantly impact their screening practices.