title: Factors associated with breast self-examination among Malaysian women teachers.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to breast self-examination (BSE) among teachers in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 female teachers in 20 randomly selected secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire based on the health belief model was randomly selected secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire based on the health belief model was used, including sociodemographic background and knowledge, beliefs and practices about breast cancer and BSE. Only 19% of the women performed BSE on a regular basis. Higher knowledge about breast cancer, greater confidence in performing BSE and regular visits to a physician were significant predictors for practising BSE. To promote BSE practice among Malaysian women, tailored health education and health promotion programmes should be developed based on a specific understanding of women's health beliefs.
authors.affiliation: Child and Maternal Health Research Centre and Health Science Research Centre, Department of Maternal and Child Health, Hamedan University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. pparsa2003@yahoo.com
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parsa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kandiah
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Parsa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires