Investigation of the Impact of HBM-Based Training on BSE in Women Referred to Health Centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011

Background: Women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer. More than 90% of patients can be treated if diagnosed early. However, most women do not perform a regular BSE (Breast Self-Examination), which is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent considerable cancer-related death and morbidity.
Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the impact of Health Belief Model (HBM)-based training on BSE behavior.
Patients and Methods: The study involved a controlled intervention performed with 200 women referred to health centers in Zahedan; 100 women were included in the intervention group and 100 other women in the control group. Before undertaking intervention training, a questionnaire designed according to HBM principles was completed by the subjects. The intervention training was then carried out with the intervention group using a lecture, question and answer sessions, and a film. Two months after the intervention, the questionnaire was readministered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, an independent t-test, a paired t-test, and a chi-square analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The independent t-test showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores or HBM parameters among the control and intervention groups (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found after the intervention as the mean knowledge score increased and the HBM parameters differed in the intervention group (P < 0.05). A paired t-test showed that the mean differences in knowledge scores and HBM parameters before and after the intervention were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but no significant before and after differences were identified among the control group (P > 0.05). Before the study, the percentage of women who regularly performed a BSE was 7% in the intervention group, but this was increased to 51% after the intervention.
Conclusions: It seems that a training program based on HBM principles is effective for inducing BSE behavior. Also, based on the findings of this study, there may be a need to increase the awareness of the perceived severity of breast cancer and the possible benefits of BSE and a self-efficacy approach to health. It is recommended that training programs emphasizing such changes be designed and implemented.

• Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
  The results of this study is to be used for health and medical authorities, It is recommended that Training programs with emphasis on changing knowledge, perceived severity and benefit , and self-efficacy, toward improving the health of women should be designed and implemented.

• Please cite this paper as:
  Lotfi B, Hashemi SZ , Ansari Moghadam A. The Investigation of the Impact of HBM Based Training on BSE in Women Referred to Health Centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011. Health Scope. 2012; 1(1): 39-43. DOI: 10.5812/jhs.4698

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