Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a serious health problem. Early detection is crucial for optimal treatment and reducing mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate health beliefs concerning performance of breast self- examination (BSE) and mammography in a sample of Iranian female health workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 441 female health care workers (physicians = 88, nurses = 163, midwives = 38, officers = 68, and others = 84) in 3 different health centers in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and thenPersian version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.7±13.7. It was found that 41.9 of the workers performed BSE in the past and 14.9 of them regularly, but only 10.6 of them had undergone a mammogram. Perceived barriers to BSE (F = 6.351, P = 0.021) and mammography (F = 5.214, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in officers than physicians, nurses or midwives. Perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE and mammography, but not significant (p = 0.34 and p = 0.56, respectively). Furthermore, perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits of the workers who had BSE and mammography were significantly higher than who did not (p < 0.05). Perceived seriousness was not a significant variable in BSE and mammography (p = 0.71 and p = 0.43, respectively). Conclusions: The health beliefs of health workers concerning the perceived susceptibility of breast cancer and the perceived benefits BSE and mammography significantly impact their screening practices.