Women's knowledge and beliefs about mammography based on HBM constructs

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer and is considered as the second cause of cancer death in most countries all over the world. Screening methods are very important in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The knowledge and health beliefs about mammography in women older than 40 years have investigated in this study. This is a cross-sectional study, which has been performed on 384 women who have referred to the health centers in 1389-90. Samples selected by available through non-random sampling. Data were collected by self-report questionnaire. The outcomes were analized by SPSS software, X2, one way tests, and descriptive statistics were applied. The results indicated that most women (86.9%) had not undergone mammography screening test. About 48.7% of patients had moderate awareness; and approximately 37.2% of patients reported the absence of recommendation from physicians as their main reason is not taking any mammograms. There is a significant correlation between education level and knowledge (P = 0.001). Also, there is a significant correlation between education level and perceived severity (P<0.004), perceived benefits (P<0.001), and perceived barriers (P<0.001). But, there was no significant correlation between education level and perceived susceptibility (03/0 = P) was observed. The results of this study calls for health planners more attention in education and promotion of screening methods in order to overcome obstacles. Also, it is recommended to implement a routine and free mammography as a screening test in women over 40 years old referrals to health centers.