BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the leading female type of cancer in Cyprus. Therefore, there is a need for a valid and reliable tool to examine beliefs or practices about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE). The objective of this study was to translate the widely used Champion's Health Belief Model Scale into Greek and validate the tool among Cypriot women. METHODS: Data analysis included descriptive statistics, reliability estimates, and confirmatory factor analysis with fit indexes for construct validity. Multiple regression, with dependent variables "frequency of practice of BSE in the previous year" and "intended frequency of BSE," was used to examine predictive validity. Ninety-four women were surveyed. RESULTS: The six-subscale structure (confidence, benefits, susceptibility, barriers, seriousness, motivation) of the Greek version was verified, with a good model fit. Alpha coefficients ranged from .66 to .88, indicating internal consistency reliability of the tool. Regression analysis provided evidence of predictive validity, with barriers and confidence being significant predictors of BSE practice. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale is a valid and reliable tool for use among Cypriot women that can be used to evaluate their beliefs about breast cancer and BSE and for planning interventions to improve these beliefs.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Breast cancer is the leading female type of cancer in Cyprus. Therefore, there is a need for a valid and reliable tool to examine beliefs or practices about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE). The objective of this study was to translate the widely used Champion's Health Belief Model Scale into Greek and validate the tool among Cypriot women. METHODS: Data analysis included descriptive statistics, reliability estimates, and confirmatory factor analysis with fit indexes for construct validity. Multiple regression, with dependent variables "frequency of practice of BSE in the previous year" and "intended frequency of BSE," was used to examine predictive validity. Ninety-four women were surveyed. RESULTS: The six-subscale structure (confidence, benefits, susceptibility, barriers, seriousness, motivation) of the Greek version was verified, with a good model fit. Alpha coefficients ranged from .66 to .88, indicating internal consistency reliability of the tool. Regression analysis provided evidence of predictive validity, with barriers and confidence being significant predictors of BSE practice. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale is a valid and reliable tool for use among Cypriot women that can be used to evaluate their beliefs about breast cancer and BSE and for planning interventions to improve these beliefs.