The relationship of breast self-examination to health belief model variables.

The relationship between frequency of breast self-examination and Health Belief Model variables was assessed in a convenience sample of 588 women. Susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, health motivation, control, and knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination were measured by scales previously tested for validity and reliability. Individual items measured the frequency of breast self-examination and the method by which breast self-examination was taught. Multiple regression and discriminant analysis demonstrated that barriers, knowledge, and susceptibility were correlated with frequency of breast self-examination (R = .53, p = less than or equal to .001). In addition, persons taught by a doctor or nurse evidenced greater frequency of breast self-examination than those taught in other ways.