Breast self examination by women : is age associated with frequency?

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted on the breast self examination (BSE) practices among women they relate to the constructs (susceptibility, motivation, confidence, barriers to BSE, benefits to BSE, and seriousness) in the Health Belief Model Scales (HBMS) developed by Champion (1993). A convenience sample of 75 community based women (n=25/group) in three age groupings (20-35 yrs; 36-55 yrs; and 56-75 yrs) was used for comparisons. Significant differences were detected among age groups on frequency of BSE and on the perceived susceptibility and confidence subscales of the HBMS. Differences among age groups on regular performance of BSE were not statistically significant, although differences did approach significance. Level of education was significantly related to the susceptibility subscale of the HBMS. Frequency of BSE was significantly correlated with the perceived benefits of HBMS and the perceived barriers subscales of the HBMS.