Objetivo. Identificar factores socioculturales y psicosociales determinantes de no realización del auto examen de mamas (AEM) en mujeres residentes en Tunja, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Un estudio anidado de casos y controles se llevó a cabo a partir de 218 casos y 225 controles. La muestra se seleccionó mediante muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se evaluó sobre los factores socioculturales, el conocimiento y la práctica del AEM. Resultados. Edad promedio 32,9 años (SD=9,44); 58,7% con pareja estable; 42,4% trabaja; 25,6% secundaria incompleta; 23,5% fuma; 21,5% planifica con métodos hormonales; 10,6% tiene antecedentes familiares de carcinoma mamario; 10,2% asiste a programas de promoción y prevención; 7,2% antecedente de enfermedad mamaria. Los factores que se encontraron significativamente asociados con la no realización del AEM son: no haber recibido información (OR=14,08); no asistir a programas de prevención del cáncer de mamá (OR=9,21); bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre cáncer de mama (OR=8,96); no considerar importante AEM (OR=8,71); no contar con apoyo familiar (OR=3,18); no reconoce la lactancia como factor protector en cáncer de mama (OR=2,46); no realizar actividad física (OR=2,38); no haber terminado la secundaria (OR=1,94); no uso de anticoncepción (OR=2,27); no ha consultado sobre AEM (OR=1,97); régimen subsidiado o vinculado (OR=1,77); uso de métodos de planificación menor de 3 años (OR=1,94); no tener antecedente de aborto (OR=1,92); no trabajar (OR=1,47). Conclusión. Se encuentran factores de riesgo, susceptibles de intervención educativa, que podrían mejorar sustancialmente la cobertura de los programas de P y P y la adherencia a la práctica del AEM.

Objective. To identify sociocultural and psychosocial factors that determine non realisation of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) in women resident in Tunja, Colombia. Materials and methods. A nested case-control study was carried with 218 cases and 225 controls. The sample was selected by statified random sample. Assessment was made of sociocultural factors, knowledge and BSE practice. Results. Mean age 32.9 years (SD = 9.44), 58.7% with steady partner, 42.4% work, 25.6% incomplete secondary, 23.5% smokers, 21.5% uses hormonal methods, 10.6% have a family history of breast carcinoma, 10.2% attend promotion and prevention programs, 7.2% have history of breast disease. The factors that were significantly associated with non-practice of the BSE were not having received information about BSE (OR = 14.08); non attendance at Promotion and Prevention programs (OR = 9.21), low levels of knowledge about breast cancer (OR = 8.96), BSE was not considered important (Or = 8.71); not having family support (OR = 3.18); not recognizing breastfeeding as a protective factor in breast cancer (OR = 2.46 ), no physical activity (OR = 2.38) not completed high school (OR = 1.94), not using contraception (OR = 2.27); not attending the review consultation BSE (OR = 1.97 ) subsidized or linked health-regime (OR = 1.77), less than 3 years use of planning methods (OR = 1.94), no record of abortion (OR = 1.92), not in work (OR = 1,47). Conclusion. We found risk factors that are susceptible to educational intervention which could substantially improve the cover of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention programs and adherence to the practice of BSE.