Improving Breast Self-Examination: an Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model

Background: This study evaluated the effect of an educational program on breast self-examination (BSE) among women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Method: This trial studied 240 eligible women attending at eight health centers of Bandar Abbas who were randomly divided into intervention (n = 120) or control (n= 120) group. Data regarding belief on breast self examination were collected through the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Results: At the initial of the study, there were no differences between two groups in terms of socio demographic data, the mean scores of Champion's Health Belief Model (CHBM) sub-scales and breast self-examination rate. At follow up time the intervention group compared to control group has obtained significant higher mean score of CHBM in terms of all sub-scales except for the subscale of BSE benefit. Conclusion: This study indicated that the designed program could improve Breast Self Examination among studied women.