Investigation of the Impact of HBM-Based Training on BSE in Women Referred to Health Centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011

Article history: Received: 07 Feb 2012 Revised: 02 Mar 2012 Accepted: 14 Mar 2012 Background: Women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer. More than 90% of pa- tients can be treated if diagnosed early. However, most women do not perform a regular BSE (Breast Self-Examination), which is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent considerable cancer-related death and morbidity. Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the impact of Health Belief Model (HBM)- based training on BSE behavior. Patients and Methods: The study involved a controlled intervention performed with 200 women referred to health centers in Zahedan; 100 women were included in the intervention group and 100 other women in the control group. Before undertaking intervention train- ing, a questionnaire designed according to HBM principles was completed by the subjects. The intervention training was then carried out with the intervention group using a lecture, question and answer sessions, and a film. Two months after the intervention, the question- naire was readministered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, an independent t-test, a paired t-test, and a chi-square analysis; P 0.05). However, a significant difference was found after the in- tervention as the mean knowledge score increased and the HBM parameters differed in the intervention group (P 0.05). Before the study, the percentage of women who regularly performed a BSE was 7% in the intervention group, but this was increased to 51% after the intervention. Conclusion: It seems that a training program based on HBM principles is effective for induc- ing BSE behavior. Also, based on the findings of this study, there may be a need to increase the awareness of the perceived severity of breast cancer and the possible benefits of BSE and a self-efficacy approach to health. It is recommended that training programs emphasizing such changes be designed and implemented.