The Relationship Between Health Belief and Breast Self-examination Among Iranian University Students

Objectives: Breast cancer is a major health problem. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple method for breast cancer screening. The health belief model (HBM) is a model for conventionalizing and management of health-related behaviors such as breast cancer screening. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between HBM and BSE among Iranian university students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 247 medical and paramedical students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2010. Data was collected using Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) for breast cancer screening whose validity and reliability have been verified in previous studies. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The average age of samples was 21.76 +/- 2.6 years. Students with a positive family history of breast cancer performed BSE more frequently (9.2% compared with 82.2%, P < 0.05). The mean score of Health Belief Questionnaire was low for the majority of samples (61.94%, n = 153). Students' health beliefs had a statistically significant relationship with performing BSE (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Since medical and paramedical students are regarded as role models of healthy behaviors, it is critical to have an awareness of their health beliefs on BSE. In addition, positive behavior and attitude towards BSE enables students to perform breast cancer screening tests more effectively. According to the results, it is necessary to improve students' knowledge of and attitude towards BSE by training programs.