Factors Related to Breast Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Middle-aged Women: An Application of Protection Motivation Theory

Introduction: Screening behaviors along with a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity play an essential role in reducing mortality from breast cancer. The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with breast cancer–preventive behaviors based on the theory of protection motivation in women in Neyshabur city. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 325 women aged 30 to 69 years referred to Neyshabur health service centers were studied after enrolment through cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made self-report questionnaire that had acceptable validity (face and content) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics with SPSS v19.  Results: Fifty-two percent of participants never had a breast self-examination before, and 72.6% had never been to a health center for a clinical breast examination. Only 6.8% of the participants had regular physical activity. All constructs of conservation motivation theory, except fear, were correlated with breast cancer-preventive behaviors. Perceived self-efficacy had the highest score, and perceived cost had the lowest score among protection motivation theory constructs. Regression analysis reflected that protection motivation, perceived severity, perceived rewards, and awareness were predictors of the adoption of breast cancer–preventive behaviors. Overall, these variables could predict 15.4% of behavioral change. Conclusion: Theory-based educational planning to encourage women to adopt breast cancer-preventive behaviors, including a healthy lifestyle and screening behaviors, is essential.