Predictors of Common Cancer Screening Behavior in Middle-Aged Iranian Men Working at University Using the Health Belief Model

Men are more likely than women to have cancer and die from it. In addition, the likelihood of using healthcare services and preventive measures, such as screening for cancer, is much lower among men than women. This study aimed to determine the predictors of cancer screening behavior in middle-aged men employed in universities using the Health Belief Model.

This is a descriptive-analytical study conducted on middle-aged men employed in Karaj University. The sampling was done through a census and all male employees (400 persons) who had the inclusion criteria were entered into the study. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed.

The results showed that 10.2% of the men had undergone one type of cancer screening, and the logistic regression indicated that perceived barriers and self-efficacy were predictors of screening behavior in men.

Given the very low rate of screening behavior in Iranian men and the increasing prevalence of cancer, there is a need for educational interventions to make men aware of cancer. According to the results of this study, self-efficacy and perceived barriers were introduced as predictors of screening behavior, and taking them into account through interventions could lead to improve screening behavior in men.