Can Health Belief Model Predict Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors?

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second cause of cancer-related death among women. Prevention programs insist on the early diagnosis and screening to reduce the mortality rate. AIM: The study was conducted to determine the predictors of breast cancer screening behaviours based on the health belief model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 304 women ranging from 20 to 65 years of age, living in East Guilan cities, the North of Iran, in 2015 using two-stage cluster sampling. The research instrument was Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale. The data were analysed based on Regression test by using SPSS software version 18. RESULTS: The results showed perceived benefits (ExpB = 1.118, p = 0.009), self-efficacy (ExpB = 1.122, p = 0.001) and the perceived barriers (ExpB = 0.851, p = 0.001) as the predictors of breast self-examination. In addition, the study revealed that the two components of perceived benefits (ExpB = 1.202), and the perceived barriers were the predictors of mammography (ExpB = 0.864) (p = 0.001). None of the health belief model components showed a role to predict clinical breast examination (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the need for educational programs, which should focus on increasing breast self-exam skills and understanding the benefits of healthy behaviours and eliminating their barriers.