Using the Health Belief Model to Predict the Uptake of Mammographic Screening Among Saudi Women

Background Breast cancer (BC) is known to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer in Saudi Arabia. Early detection using screening methods can improve disease outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, the rates of BC screening are very low although it is a country that provides free healthcare services. This discrepancy between the availability of free healthcare services and women not utilizing these services necessitates an in-depth understanding of the health-related beliefs and barriers towards BC screening among Saudi women. Objective We aimed to use the Health Belief Model (HBM) to predict the uptake of mammographic screening among Saudi women. The secondary objective was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to BC and mammography screening. Research methodology This was an analytical cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire, which consisted of sociodemographic data, family history of BC, general information about BC, and the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). The study was conducted among Saudi women visiting the King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh from September 2018 to February 2019. The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software version 26.00 (IBM, Armonk, NY). Results A total of 401 females participated in the study; the median age of the subjects was 49 years [interquartile range (IQR): 43-53 years]. Among them, 69.6% were married and 21.1% had a family history of BC. There was a statistically significant association of younger age, marital status, and a positive family history of BC with women undergoing mammographic screening (p<0.05). Of the participants, 61.6% knew about the warning signs of BC, while only 59.9% were aware of the risk factors associated with it. The binary logistic regression did not show any significant association between CHBMS and mammogram screening. We concluded that the CHBMS components cannot be used in isolation to predict the risk of not undergoing mammogram screening. However, barriers and motivation components along with the knowledge and other factors can be used to predict mammogram screening. Conclusion Among our cohort of Saudi women, 62.1% had general awareness about BC, and younger age, marital status, and positive family history of BC were significantly associated with women undergoing mammography screening. The CHBMS components cannot be used in isolation to predict the risk of not undergoing mammogram screening, while barriers and motivation components along with the knowledge and other factors can be used to predict mammogram screening.