Relationship of perceived barriers to breast self-examination in women of varying ages and levels of education.
OBJECTIVE
To examine perceived barriers to performing breast self-examination (BSE) in women of varying age groups and education levels and investigate the relationship of age and education to frequency of BSE.


METHODS
Descriptive, retrospective.


METHODS
A university nursing center and clerical offices.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 374 women.


METHODS
Subjects were asked to complete Champion's Health Belief Model questionnaire.


METHODS
Barriers to BSE practice.


RESULTS
Chi-squares analyses comparing age and education levels to BSE frequency showed no significant differences among groups. Cross tabulations suggested that differences in perception of individual barriers to practice may exist among women of different age groups and education levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Women of varying age groups and education levels responded to individual barrier items differently.


CONCLUSIONS
Young women may need help developing confidence in their BSE technique as well as accurate information to reduce their fears about BSE. Middle-aged women also need this information to reduce their fears and may need help in developing a reminder method for practicing BSE. Older women may benefit from education about BSE's value to them. Less educated women may need information to reduce fear, while women at higher education levels may benefit from help in developing a reminder method.
Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
M E
ME
Sensiba
D S
DS
Stewart
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004522:Educational Status; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged