Health Beliefs Related to Breast Self-Examination in a Sample of Grenadian Women

Delpech, Paula-Alexander

Monday, 18 November 2013: 10:40 AM

Paula-Alexander Delpech, PhD, ARNP
Division of Nursing, Barry University, MIAMI SHORES, FL

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify health beliefs related to breast cancer among Grenadian women.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to distinguish between variables that influence BSE practice among Grenadian women.

Significance: Despite advances in technology, women with breast cancer continue to have poor health outcomes, and the prevalence is growing rapidly in all regions of the world. Globally, there is a growing cancer burden with approximately 1.1 million newly diagnosed cases occurring annually. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Americas, and in Low Resource Countries (LRC), the incidence rate is rising to as much as 5 percent annually. In Grenada, the site of this study, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Grenadian women, and breast cancer accounts for 49 percent of female cancers. Although it is well documented that breast health education and screening for early detection of breast cancer improves prognosis, there is limited breast health education or screening available in Grenada.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the health beliefs, sociodemographics and breast cancer variables that influence BSE practice, for Grenadian women living in St. Marks Parish.

Research Design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for this study. A convenient sample of 64 Grenadian women from St. Marks Parish between the ages of 20-65 with no previous diagnose of breast cancer was surveyed.

Program Design: The Champion Health Belief Model questionnaire was used to measure perceived susceptibility of breast cancer; seriousness of breast cancer; benefits of (BSE); barriers to BSE; confidence and health motivation. The self-reported questionnaires were administered to women attending a health fair.

Findings: The study showed that women confidence in performing BSE is not related to their perceived susceptibility and seriousness of breast cancer.

Implications: This information will be helpful in determining interventions that will motivate breast self-examination among women living in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean.

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