Factors associated with breast self-examination among Thai women living in rural areas in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with monthly breast self-examination (BSE) performance among Thai women living in rural areas, Northeastern Thailand.

Material and method: This present cross-sectional study was conducted during April to July 2008. A random sample of 705 women aged 20 to 64 years living in the rural areas of Northeastern region was interviewed using a structured questionnaire seeking information on demography, prior experience of BSE, knowledge (of breast cancer and breast examination techniques) and health belief Logistic regression was performed to identify the potential predictors of monthly BSE performance.

Results: Seventy-five percent of women had performed BSE in the last year, and only 49% had performed BSE monthly. Monthly BSE performance was associated with having heard of BSE (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1-6.9), been taught to perform BSE (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5-3.7), higher knowledge about breast cancer and BSE procedures (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-3.5), and higher confidence in one's ability to perform BSE (OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 3.0-6.4).

Conclusion: To increase monthly BSE performance among Thai women living in the Northeastern rural areas, health officers should address women levels of accurate knowledge of breast cancer, provide training in BSE procedures, and advocate women' confidence in performing BSE.