title: Self-confidence as a critical factor in breast self-examination.
abstract: This study was conducted to determine predictors of breast self-examination (BSE) frequency. One hundred ninety-one women completed questionnaires about their personal experiences with BSE, their risk factors, and their perceived risks of breast cancer. Satisfaction with BSE ability and explanation of BSE technique significantly predicted frequency of BSE. Perceived risk, history of breast cancer, BSE demonstration, and a BSE handout did not affect BSE frequency. Of the five BSE teaching variables, only explanation of technique significantly predicted BSE satisfaction. Clinicians can promote BSE frequency by helping women feel confident about their abilities to perform BSE.
authors.affiliation: Primary Health Care Associates, Seattle, WA 98125.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001940:Breast; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010173:Palpation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept