title: A cross sectional survey on breast self examination practice, utilization of breast professional examination, mammography and associated factors in Romagna, Italy.
abstract: In 1988, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Romagna region (Italy) to evaluate the association between knowledge of breast pathophysiology and preventive attitudes and screening tests practice for breast cancer. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a sample of asymptomatic women aged 20-64 years living in the city of Faenza (Northern Italy). Of the 657 responders, 58% reported that they practiced breast self-examination; 55% had had a professional breast examination, and only 9% had had a mammogram as a screening test. Logistic regression analysis (including variables such as age, education, employment) was performed to explore the relationship between screening tests practice and factors associated with their use. Breast self-examination practice (n = 590) was associated with preventive attitudes (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.09-2.53) and with a positive history of breast disease (aOR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.72-7.04). Professional breast examination (n = 480) was related to preventive attitudes (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.51-3.71), knowledge of breast pathophysiology (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.31-3.28), and use of oral contraceptives (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.12-2.91). Mammography use (n = 540) was associated with preventive attitudes (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.40-6.76). The results show an inadequate utilization of screening tests in our population. Breast self-examination is strongly related to a positive history of breast disease, and this could reflect the lack of health educational programs aimed at the general population.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo, Faenza, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferro
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caroli
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nanni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biggeri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gambi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires