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: Although breast self-examination (BSE) is no longer recommended for screening of breast cancer, its training and practicing is a gateway to health promotion and provides women with knowledge and attitudes that set the stage for clinical breast examination and mammography screening later in life. The aim of this study was to recognize predicting factors of the BSE based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the locus of control model among women aged 20-50 years old.

  Methods & Materials : Inthis cross-sectional study,400 women were selected through theconvenience sampling method from health centers. Data were collected using four questionnaires including the Champion’s Scale, health locus of control, and demographic and functional questionnaires. Data were analyzed in the SPSS using independent T-test, Chi-squared test, logistic and linear regression models.

  Results: The results showed that 10.9% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. Perceived self-efficacy was the strongest positive predictor in the BSE performance (Exp (B) =1.863). Awareness had direct and indirect effects on the BSE. The locus of control did not predict the BSE (p=0.05).

  Conclusion : Improving self-efficacy, especially in young women, and increasing awareness about cancer among women is necessary to increase the rate of the BSE.