---

Background & Aim: Early diagnosis of breast lumps through breast self-examination (BSE) is important for early detection of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors predict the BSE behavior using Health Belief Model constructs in women referred to health centers in Bandar abbas, Iran.

Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 240 eligible women were randomly selected from eight health centers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics and Champion&aposs Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). The CHBMS measures the HBM concepts of susceptibility (3 items), seriousness (6 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (8 items) and self-efficacy (10 items). All items were ranged in a Likert scale ranging from ‘‘strongly disagree (score: one)&apos&apos to ‘‘strongly agree (score: five)&apos&apos.

Results: A total of 240 women took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 37.2 (SD=6.1). Of all, 32.5% had high school education and 95.8% were married. The results showed that 31.7% of the women had performed the BSE however, only 7.1% had performed it regularly. Perceived BSE benefits, perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE self-efficacy of the participants who performed the BSE were significantly higher than those who did not (P<0.03). The results from regression analysis indicated that the perceived BSE self-efficacy and perceived BSE barriers predicted breast self-examination behavior (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE self-efficacy were influencing factors in predicting the BSE behavior. Therefore, in order to improve self-efficacy and decrease the barriers, BSE training programs are strongly recommended.

---

Background & Aim: The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical and psychological symptoms that occurs periodically and affects women’s social and individual functionings. This study aimed to investigate the effect of stress management group counseling on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Methods & Materials: This semi-experimental study (IRCT2016052127994N1) was conducted on 44 students with PMS (22 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group) from Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and premenstrual symptoms screening test (PSST). Descriptive and inferential statistics including independent t-test, Chi-square, ANCOVA and repeated measurement test were used for data analysis via the SPSS software version 21.
Results: Before treatment, the mean scores of mood-behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms and the impact of symptoms on life had not any significant differences between the two groups. At the first month after treatment, mood-behavioral symptoms (P<0.001) and the impact of symptoms on life (P=0.007) were different between the two groups. Two months after the intervention, the mean scores of mood-behavioral symptoms in the intervention group (53.2±4.84) were significantly different from those in the control group (70.2±4.81). There was a significant difference in the mean score of physical symptoms between the intervention group (36.7±5.87) and control group (64.9±7.84). Also, the mean score of the impact of symptoms on life had a significant difference between the intervention group (36±4.73) and control group (58.3±2.73) (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Stress management group counseling is effective in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and it can be used as a non-pharmacological method with no side effects.