The effects of educational intervention on breast self‑examination and mammography behavior: Application of an integrated model

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and it is the second leading cause of mortality among cancers in women and a major health issue in developed countries. Although there are simple and effective screening methods, just minority of women use them. Given the high prevalence of breast cancer in Isfahan women and the low prevalence of screening behavior, the present study aimed to determine the impact of theory‑based educational intervention on breast self‑examination (BSE) behavior and mammography.

The present experimental study was conducted on 93 women referred to comprehensive health centers in Isfahan through convenience sampling, and by this way 46 women were included in the control group and 47 in the intervention group. Data collection was done by a valid and reliable questionnaire. Furthermore, educational interventions were performed for the intervention group in three sessions. Furthermore, the data were completed in the intervention group before, immediately after, and 3 months after intervention and before and 3 months after intervention in the control group. The data were analyzed by SPSS (16); and paired t‑test and repeated measure test were used for analysis in the intervention group and also independent t‑test and paired t‑test were employed to analyze data of the control group.

The results showed significant changes in perceived benefit constructs (P = 0.023), knowledge (P < 0.001), self‑efficacy (P < 0.001), and behavioral intention regarding BSE (P = 0.035) in the intervention group over time, but changes were not significant in both perceived susceptibility and severity in the intervention group. As far as mammography behavior is concerned, only the perceived benefit construct in the intervention group had significant changes. In terms of the screening behavior, only BSE behavior significantly changed before and after intervention.

The study showed that theory‑based education by applying of constructs such as perceived benefits and self‑efficacy and intention for BSE model could promote breast cancer screening behavior such as BSE. Therefore, it is suggested that health educators utilize educational texts based on these constructs to increase their influence on individuals via screening behavior for breast cancer.