Determination of the Health Belief and Attitude of Women Regarding Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Exam.

OBJECTIVE This study has been carried out with the purpose of determining the belief and attitude of women regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam and the factors which affect the performance frequency of breast self-exam and it is a descriptive kind of study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data has been collected through questionnaire forms created by the researchers based on literature information and Champion Health Belief Model Scale. Data collection was collected via face-to-face interviews with the patients. Questionnaire forms were applied to 350 women who accepted to participate in the study. Data was analyzed frequency, percentage, t-test and x2 test with SPSS for Windows 12.0. RESULTS Average age of women who were included in the study was found to be 33.25±10.27. Average point for the sensitivity sub-dimension of the women within the scope of study was 7.79±2.38, average score for the seriousness sub-dimension 23.30±5.82, average score for the benefit sub-dimension 15.48±4.03, average score for the obstacle sub-dimension was 26.34±7.64, average score of health motivation sub-dimension was 32.77±9.11 and average score for the self-confidence sub-dimension was 25.20±5.02. CONCLUSION The beliefs of women regarding the subject should be developed by providing in-service training regarding breast cancer and breast self-exam. It can be suggested that studies be carried out analyzing the effect of the attempts for increasing the performance frequency of breast self-exam of women on the beliefs and attitudes.