OLDER WOMEN AND BREAST CANCER DETECTION PRACTICES.
Contributors: Boston University.
Published: 1988
Number of pages: 262
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Women's Studies.
Description: This non-experimental descriptive correlational study investigated preventive health behaviors related to breast cancer detection (breast self-examination and mammography). The target sample consisted of less-educated, low to middle income older women living in rural communities. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as the theoretical framework. Its constructs were explored for their potential influence on the adoption of these preventive practices. The study included 143 women 55 years of age and over. The data was collected by administering a questionnaire to participants.

Data analysis revealed that almost all of the elderly women did not perceive themselves as highly susceptible to breast cancer nor did they perceive this disease to be a serious health threat. Less than one fourth of the subjects possessed adequate knowledge of breast cancer, BSE and mammography. The majority did consider BSE and mammograms as highly beneficial in preventing future health problems. About three quarters perceived a few barriers to BSE, but only one third practiced BSE monthly, and competency was high among only 7% who practiced. More than half had moderate to high perceived barriers to mammography, with less than one fourth obtaining yearly screening. Finally, almost all participants had medium to high scores on health motivation.

An examination of the relationships between variables using the Pearson r statistic revealed significant correlations between BSE frequency and knowledge, benefits, barriers, and health motivation. BSE competence was significantly related to knowledge and barriers. Mammogram frequency was significantly correlated with knowledge, benefits, and barriers. The correlations with barriers were inverse; all others were positive.

This investigation provided empirical evidence supporting not only bivariate relationships, but also the predictive potential of the HBM for disease-specific behaviors--BSE and mammography. Results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the combined constructs of susceptibility, seriousness, benefit, barrier, and health motivation explained frequency and competency of BSE and frequency of mammography at a significant level. The construct barrier was the most powerful predictor for all three dependent variables.

The constructs of the HBM hold promise for the development of effective interventions which will increase compliance with the practices of BSE and mammography screening.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-10, Section: B, page: 4234.

Thesis (ED.D.)--BOSTON UNIVERSITY, 1988.

School code: 0017.