Factors associated with breast self-examination behaviour among Chinese women in Hong Kong

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors predicting the practice of breast self-examination behaviour among Chinese women in Hong Kong using a cross-sectional survey research design. The Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework for the study to examine differences between breast self-examination practicers and non-practicers and among breast self-examination frequency groups. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 124 women using self-administrated questionnaires. Less than half of the sample practised breast self-examination and only 16% of the practicers performing breast self-examination monthly. There were differences between practicers vs. non-practicers and among breast self-examination frequency groups and some support of the predictive power of the Health Belief Model was found. Logistic regression showed that practicers perceived health as important, having fewer barriers and higher susceptibility to breast cancer. Discriminant function analysis revealed that barriers and children status were strong predictors of frequency of breast self-examination practice explaining 21.1% of the total variance in breast self-examination practice.