[Prevalence of breast self-examination in health workers. Factors associated with its correct performance].
OBJECTIVE
Determine the frequency of a breast self-examination (BSE), in health workers and the associated risk factors in its correct performance.


METHODS
From January 24 to February 24, 2000, a transversal analytical study was performed in the workers of the General Hospital Zone number 32, of the IMSS in Minatitlán, Veracruz. 106 women were included, who verbally accepted to participate in the study. A self-administered survey was applied which contained variables of the use and performance of the BSE, social demographic variables, information about BSE, and positive health attitudes and faces with breast cancer.


RESULTS
A total of 92 (86.8%) of the workers have performed an BSE at least once in their life; 46.2% performed it adequately and 53.8% did not perform the technique adequately. The variables: profession, high social economical level, nulliparous after 25 years old, users of contraceptives, having visited a gynecologist for breast clinical examination, and if a family member recommended to perform a BSE, were related with the use adequately of BSE (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of the use of a breast self-examination is high, however, it is not performed adequately by the majority of the women studied. Its correct execution is associated with the following variables: medical background doctor or nurse, well informed about BSE, family support and a positive health attitude. It is necessary to perform educational interventions so that the breast self-examination can be performed correctly.
García Cruz
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C
Departamento de enfermería, Hospital General de Zona No. 32, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Veracruzana, Campus Minatitlán.
Sánchez
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H
Escobar Rodríguez
A
A
Ponce Saavedra
A S
AS
Rodríguez Guzmán
L M
LM
D000328:Adult; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence