title: Factors affecting the nurse as a teacher and practicer of breast self-examination.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge, attitudes, confidence and practice of breast self-examination of a group of hospital-employed nurses and non-nurses, in an attempt to understand the factors which influence why nurses do not teach or practice breast self-examination more significantly. A 41-item questionnaire administered to 380 female hospital employees compared data on demographics, risk factors, practice, knowledge, perceived susceptibility and reasons for and against practice. The findings show significant differences in knowledge levels and confidence between the nurse and non-nurse group. The differences between the two groups in frequency of practice, however, are extremely small. The significance of these findings to nursing education is discussed.
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001940:Breast; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009726:Nurses; D010173:Palpation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic