Investigating The Effect of Education Based On hHealth Belief model On Predictive Factors of Breast Self-Examination In Women In Qom City In 2024

Mohammad  Aligol; Fatemeh  Golzadeh; Sama  Kermani

doi:10.18502/tbj.v23i6.18194

Mohammad Aligol Associate Professor, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, School of Health, Qom, Iran
Fatemeh Golzadeh Public Health Expert, General Directorate of Education of Qom Province, Qom, Iran
Sama Kermani Master's Student, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v23i6.18194

Keywords: Breast Self-Examination, Breast Cancer, Health Belief Model

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Women who perform breast self-examination monthly are more likely to find lumps in the early stages. This study was designed and implemented to investigate the effect of education based on health belief model on predictive factors of breast self-examination in women in Qom.

Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 70 women referring to comprehensive health service centers in Qom in November and December 2024, divided into experimental and control groups. The data collection tool included demographic questions and the Persian version of the Champion’s Health Belief Model questionnaire. The educational intervention consisted of three educational sessions designed based on the constructs of the health belief model. Post-test data were collected three months after the intervention. Paired t-tests were used to compare each group before and after the intervention.

Results: Paired T-test showed significant differences in mean and standard deviation of scores of all health belief model constructs including perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, health motivation, perceived self-efficacy, and behavioral intention showed significant differences in mean and standard deviation of scores before and after the educational intervention (p<0/05). In the control group, no significant differences were observed in any of the constructs before and after the intervention.

Conclusion: The use of appropriate educational methods based on the health belief model significantly improves the predictive factors of breast self-examination. Given the easy and inexpensive nature of these interventions and considering the implementation, cultural, and organizational constraints, this can be widely considered to increase equitable access to education and facilitate diagnosis and treatment.