A Study for the Health Education of Breast Self-Examination

Lee, Young Whee

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the degree of knowledge and compliance of breast self-examination with women. The subjects for this study were 474 women aged 35-65 receiving health examination from Yonsu-ku Public Health Service Center in Inchon. Data collection was conducted through the use of 2 questionnaires. Analysis of the data was done by used of descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study were as follows: 1. There were significant differences in the breast self-examination compliance rate according to age(F=5.82, p=.000), marital status(F=2.67, p=.047), educational level (F=5.83, p=.000) and household income (F=3.41, p=.018). 2. The correct answer rate for each items of breast self-examination knowledge scale was between 14.1% of a minimum rate and 65.0% for a maximum rate of 100. The degree of knowledge for relation of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination shows relatively low understanding. 3. The average score of breast self-examination was 1.34 from a maximum score of 6. The score of breast self-examination with palpation methods was higher than with inspection methods. 4. A positive correlation was found between breast self-examination knowledge and compliance rate (r=.417, p=.001). According to the results, it is necessary to provide knowledge of the relationship of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, and the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination. Also, it is necessary to provide detail guidance for inspection methods and develop a program for promoting the compliance of breast self-examination.