Effect of health-belief-model-based training on performance of women in breast self-examination

Using education based on the health belief model to modifications in performance of behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections in vulnerable women

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have always been considered as a health problem in the world. Also, vulnerable women (addicts, jail breakers, and prostitutes) are at the highest risk. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) approach, the only effective way to prevent and control this disease is public health education, and high-risk and vulnerable groups should be prioritized in educational programs. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of health belief model (HBM)-based education on changing the behaviors related to STIs in vulnerable women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is an intervention (field trial) study in vulnerable women. Convenience sampling method was used in this study and the sample size was determined to be 84 subjects. Through tossing a coin, the social support center was selected as the intervention group and the drop-in center as the control group. Quantitative data analysis was performed, and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used.

RESULTS

The mean scores of perceived threat, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy and changes in performance between the three measurement stages, as well as changes in the scores of perceived threat, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy over three measurement times were significantly different between the two groups (interaction) (P < 0.001). The mean score of performance 3 months after the intervention was significantly higher than before the intervention (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirmed the effectiveness of the HBM in promoting behavioral modifiers that lead to STIs. Therefore, educational interventions with emphasis on understanding the threats, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy and, ultimately, performance improvement in relation to STIs are recommended.

Predicting factors for breast cancer screening in Middle Eastern women based on health belief model: a systematic review

Background

Breast cancer screening can reduce mortality and improve the quality of life in affected women. The present study aimed to determine the predictive factors of breast cancer screening in Iranian women based on the health belief model (HBM).

Methods

This review was conducted by searching electronic databases of Google Scholar; electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and Google scholar Magiran; and SID with the English keywords of “breast cancer,” “mammography,” “health belief model,” and “breast self-exam” and the equivalent Persian keywords. The results were evaluated based on the health belief model (HBM) constructs. Articles were evaluated for quality and the findings were extracted and reviewed.

Results

A total of 8 relevant articles were selected for review. Women’s awareness of breast cancer screening methods was moderate in two studies and poor in two other studies. Among the constructs of HBM, knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and action plan were poor in the majority of the studies, while perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy were mainly good.

Conclusion

Considering the observed weakness of many HBM constructs, it is recommended that special attention be given to all HBM constructs in implementing HBM-based education programs.

Applying the health belief model to the rational use of drugs for hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Non-rational use of drugs is a common problem among people with chronic disease. The Health Belief Model (HBM) can develop beliefs and behaviors related to rational drug use.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of HBM-based training on the rational use of drugs in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 132 people receiving hemodialysis treatment. The data were collected using a Demographic Survey and the Rational Use of Drugs Scale (RUDS). Patients in the study groups were provided with HBM-based rational use of drugs training. The first training session took an average of 30-35 min for each patient, and the second (summary) took an average of 15-20 min RESULTS: The mean RUDS pretest score was 60.29 ± 10.17 in the intervention group and 62.85 ± 9.94 in the control group. The mean RUDS posttest scores were 78.80 ± 8.16 in the intervention group and 63.48 ± 9.77 in the control group. The difference between the pretest scores in these groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), whereas the difference between the posttest scores was found to be significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It was observed that training based on the HBM increased the RUD scores. Thus, HBM may be recommended for use as a guide for rational drug use training, especially for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The HBM can be an effective and cost-efficient strategy for standardized rational drug use training and supporting hemodialysis patients.

Status of breast cancer screening strategies and indicators in Iran: A scoping review

Background:

Materials and Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Factors associated with breast cancer screening intention in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Background

Breast cancer burden is increasing in low-income countries (LICs). Increasing incidence and delayed presentation of breast cancer are mainly responsible for this burden. Many women do not participate in breast cancer screening despite its effectiveness. Moreover, studies are limited on the barriers associated with low utilization of breast cancer screening in LICs. This study identified breast cancer screening behavior and factors associated with breast cancer screening intention among women in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 women living in five municipalities of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Data were collected from July to September 2018, using a structured questionnaire. Interviews were conducted among women selected through proportionate random household sampling. This study was conceptualized using the theory of planned behavior, fatalism, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity. The outcome variables included: the intention to have mammography (MMG) biennially, the intention to have clinical breast examination (CBE) annually, and the intention to perform breast self-examination (BSE) monthly. Analysis was conducted separately for each outcome variable using partial proportional odds model.

Results

Out of 500 women, 3.4% had undergone MMG biennially, 7.2% CBE annually, and 14.4% BSE monthly. Women with a positive attitude, high subjective norms, and high perceived behavioral control were more likely to have the intention to undergo all three screening methods. Similarly, women were more likely to have intention to undergo CBE and MMG when they perceived themselves susceptible to breast cancer. Conversely, women were less likely to have intention to undergo CBE when they had high fatalistic beliefs towards breast cancer.

Conclusion

Women in this study had poor screening behavior. The practice of breast self-examination was comparatively higher than clinical breast examination and mammography. Multidimensional culturally sensitive interventions are needed to enhance screening intentions. Efforts should be directed to improve attitude, family support, and fatalistic belief towards cancer. Furthermore, the proper availability of screening methods should be ensured while encouraging women to screen before the appearance of symptoms.

Self-care behaviors in high-risk women for breast cancer: A randomized clinical trial using health belief model education

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Iranian women. The number of people with this disease is increasing across the world. Positive family history is one of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. However, early detection is the main method to fight this disease. This study was conducted to examine the effect of education based on the health belief model (HBM) on self-care behaviors among first-degree relatives of patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted in 2016 on 80 women in Tehran city, Iran. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire regarding demographic data, the HBM, and self-care behaviors. The educational program based on the HBM was held in 4 ninety-minute training sessions through lectures, group discussions, question and answer, image presentations, and PowerPoint presentations. The questionnaires were completed before and 2 months following the intervention by intervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the SPSS16 software.

RESULTS

The mean score of the HBM constructs before the intervention in the groups had no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Eight weeks after the intervention, the mean score of the constructs of the HBM in the intervention group significantly increased and a statistically significant increase in the mean score of self-care in the intervention group compared to the preintervention was found, so that the self-care behavior score in the intervention group was 0.69 ± 0.09 before the intervention and was changed to 0.74 ± 0.09 after the intervention (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that education based on the HBM was effective in promoting self-care behaviors among first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients. Therefore, education based on HBM may have an important implication for breast cancer prevention in Iran.