Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the views of breast health among Asian Indian women and to assess their knowledge toward breast cancer screening (i.e., breast self-exam, clinical breast exam, and mammography). Framework: The framework chosen for this study was the Health Belief Model. This study looked at the variables: perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefit, and perceived barriers related to breast cancer screening. Subjects: Thirty-Two Asian Indian women age 29 to 79 years (mean age 49.7 years) from a Midwest, university-based community. Method: The study group received a pretest, an intervention (educational program), and the posttest all in one day. There was only one study group used in this study. The instrument used for the pretest was developed using the Health Belief variables related to breast cancer screening. Results: A small percentage (9%) of women reported practicing monthly breast self-exams, whereas just fewer than 50% of the women reported yearly clinical breast exams (46%) and mammograms (47%). Over 50% of the women reported that they did not have the skills/knowledge to perform breast self-exams. After the educational program the amount of women that stated they would perform monthly breast self-exam increased from 9% to 80% and 100% of the women now felt they had the skill/knowledge to perform breast self-exams. The women also reported increased knowledge about clinical breast exams and mammograms after the educational program, by stating that they would initiate scheduling appointments for both. Conclusions: The study showed that education is the key to helping improve perceived barriers and benefits for the group of Asian Indian women studied. Nurses have the opportunity to provide this education to Asian Indian women.
Session #1223 - Graduate Student Poster Session
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)