Relationship of perceived barriers to breast self-examination in women of varying ages and levels of education.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine perceived barriers to performing breast self-examination (BSE) in women of varying age groups and education levels and investigate the relationship of age and education to frequency of BSE.

DESIGN

Descriptive, retrospective.

SETTING

A university nursing center and clerical offices.

SAMPLE

Convenience sample of 374 women.

METHOD

Subjects were asked to complete Champion's Health Belief Model questionnaire.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE

Barriers to BSE practice.

FINDINGS

Chi-squares analyses comparing age and education levels to BSE frequency showed no significant differences among groups. Cross tabulations suggested that differences in perception of individual barriers to practice may exist among women of different age groups and education levels.

CONCLUSION

Women of varying age groups and education levels responded to individual barrier items differently.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Young women may need help developing confidence in their BSE technique as well as accurate information to reduce their fears about BSE. Middle-aged women also need this information to reduce their fears and may need help in developing a reminder method for practicing BSE. Older women may benefit from education about BSE's value to them. Less educated women may need information to reduce fear, while women at higher education levels may benefit from help in developing a reminder method.