Application of the Health Belief Model in Breast Self-Examination by Iranian Female University Students

Background: The present study aimed to apply the Health Belief Model (HBM) in breast self-examination among the female university students in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 female students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran. Participants were selected via simple random sampling and completed the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20, and the two-tailed P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Distribution of the study population across the stages of change was as follows: pre-contemplation (n = 107; 42.8%), contemplation (n = 55; 22%), preparation (n = 32; 12.8%), action (n = 33; 13.2%), and maintenance (n = 23; 19%). Mean scores of the HBM constructs were as follows: perceived susceptibility (8.77 +/- 4.16), perceived severity (24.63 +/- 5.80), perceived benefits (22.96 +/- 12.86), and perceived barriers (27.21 +/- 17.18). Conclusions: According to the results, few students were in the action and maintenance stages of breast self-examination and had inadequate knowledge regarding some of the risk factors for breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that educational programs be implemented to provide comprehensive information on the risk factors for breast cancer, perceived susceptibility, and self-efficacy.