Attitudinal variables related to intention, frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination in women 35 and over.

A correlational study was conducted to identify attitudinal variables specified by the Health Belief Model that were related to intent, frequency, and proficiency of breast self-examination. The probability sample consisted of 380 women age 35 and over who were contacted via random digit dialing. Data were collected during in-home interviews. Results supported the combined ability of susceptibility, seriousness, barriers, health motivation, and control to predict intent to practice breast self-examination (R = .61, p. less than or equal to .001). In addition, frequency and total proficiency for breast self-examination were predicted by health motivations, susceptibility, and barriers using discriminant analysis. Results lend support to use of the Health Belief Model variables in predicting women's intention and actual behavior of breast self-examination.