Fetohy, E., Abdel Gawwad, E., Hashim, T. (2006). Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 36(3), 737-756. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2006.156453
Ebtisam M. Fetohy; Ensaf S. Abdel Gawwad; Talal J. Hashim. "Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 36, 3, 2006, 737-756. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2006.156453
Fetohy, E., Abdel Gawwad, E., Hashim, T. (2006). 'Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 36(3), pp. 737-756. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2006.156453
Fetohy, E., Abdel Gawwad, E., Hashim, T. Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2006; 36(3): 737-756. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2006.156453
Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action
1Department of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
2Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess breast cancer [BC] and breast self-examination [BSE] related knowledge, attitude and performance among educated Saudi women, to identify which group of women are in need for education about BC & BSE, as well as to examine the utility of theory of reasoned action in predicting BSE among them in Riyadh City. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 302 educated Saudi women. Their mean age was 27.3±9.4 years.
The results show that 26.5% of the participants were ever practicing BSE, and 17.9% of them practiced BSE in the prior 6 months. Only 1.9% of them had good knowledge about BC and BSE. There was a discrepancy between their perceived level of knowledge and the actual knowledge level. The mean proficiency score was moderate [5.13] with a range [0-11]. There was significant difference between scores of knowledge and attitude among different age groups. Women who were in the age group [40-years], divorced or married and teachers had higher significant knowledge score than other groups. Younger married women and teachers attained significantly the highest mean score of BSE skills [proficiency]. It was found that the women who belonged to age group [25-years] had got significantly the highest mean attitude score. University graduated women attained significantly the lowest mean subjective norms. Although there were differences between different groups related to socio-demographic characters as regard BSE intention and performance, these differences were not significant. In agreement with the theory of reasoned action, general subjective norms [GSN], and effect [direct attitude] were found to be among the predictors of intention to practice BSE together with marital status and age [R2=0.233]. Intention and affect [direct attitude] scores were proved as the predictors of BSE performance [R2=0.62].
It is recommended that health educators should design theory-based interventions that foster positive attitudes, increase knowledge about BSE, and motivate women to practice it. These interventions need to be done in the context of the Saudi cultural norms.
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