Korean J Women Health Nurs.  2007 Jun;13(2):88-97.

A Descriptive Study for Developing a Program to Promote Compliance with Regular Breast Self-Examination(BSE)

• Park SM
• Hur HK
• Kim GY
• Song HY

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge, facilitators, and barriers of breast self -examination(BSE) in Korean couples for developing a continuous regular BSE promotion program. METHOD: This descriptive study was undertaken with a focus group methodology including 27 couples of husbands and wives recruited by convenience-sampling. Data transcribed from audiotapes was analyzed to identify common themes.
RESULTS
Knowledge of breast cancer and BSE included 'the risk factors of breast cancer', 'prevention of breast cancer', and 'how to do BSE'. Facilitators to BSE included 'self, health professional, and spouse-facilitating factors'. Barriers to BSE included 'cognitive, psychological, informational, and physical barriers'.
CONCLUSION
To promote compliance with BSE among women, tailored programs according to the stage of change of BSE adoption are crucial, not only reflecting the specific needs of the individual by the stage of change, but also utilizing husbands as facilitators.

Keyword

Breast self-examination; Knowledge; Facilitator; Barrier

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Breast Self-Examination
Breast*
Compliance*
Family Characteristics
Female
Focus Groups
Health Occupations
Humans
Risk Factors
Spouses
Tape Recording