Kanayo Umeh1, Leonnie Jones. 1. School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom. f.k.umeh@ljmu.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Whereas research suggests young women's beliefs about breast cancer (susceptibility/severity) and its early detection (barriers/benefits) reliably distinguish breast self-examiners from nonexaminers, this study assessed whether these impressions are interreliant, especially in the context of familial risk. PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised over 200 female undergraduates from a university in England, United Kingdom. METHODS: Participants completed a self-administered survey on their attitudes concerning breast cancer and early detection. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Nonexaminers were distinguished by a combination of greater perceived hindrances to self-examinations and stronger appraisals of breast cancer severity, and also by a permutation of fewer perceived benefits in self-examinations and lower perceived susceptibility to breast cancer. The latter interaction persisted after accounting for family history. CONCLUSIONS: Interwoven attitudes may depict sophisticated efforts on the part of nonexaminers to justify inaction. Clinical implications for college health providers are considered.
OBJECTIVE: Whereas research suggests young women's beliefs about breast cancer (susceptibility/severity) and its early detection (barriers/benefits) reliably distinguish breast self-examiners from nonexaminers, this study assessed whether these impressions are interreliant, especially in the context of familial risk. PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised over 200 female undergraduates from a university in England, United Kingdom. METHODS:Participants completed a self-administered survey on their attitudes concerning breast cancer and early detection. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:Nonexaminers were distinguished by a combination of greater perceived hindrances to self-examinations and stronger appraisals of breast cancer severity, and also by a permutation of fewer perceived benefits in self-examinations and lower perceived susceptibility to breast cancer. The latter interaction persisted after accounting for family history. CONCLUSIONS: Interwoven attitudes may depict sophisticated efforts on the part of nonexaminers to justify inaction. Clinical implications for college health providers are considered.
Authors: Hasanthika M Ranasinghe; Nilakshika Ranasinghe; Chaturaka Rodrigo; Rohini De A Seneviratne; Senaka Rajapakse Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-12-20 Impact factor: 3.295