Predicting Breast Self-Examination among Saudi Women Using Theory of Reasoned Action

The present study was conducted to assess breast cancer [BC] and breast self-examination [BSE] related knowledge, attitude and performance among educated Saudi women, to identify which group of women are in need for education about BC & BSE, as well as to examine the utility of theory of reasoned action in predicting BSE among them in Riyadh City. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 302 educated Saudi women. Their mean age was 27.3±9.4 years. The results show that 26.5% of the participants were ever practicing BSE, and 17.9% of them practiced BSE in the prior 6 months. Only 1.9% of them had good knowledge about BC and BSE. There was a discrepancy between their perceived level of knowledge and the actual knowledge level. The mean proficiency score was moderate [5.13] with a range [0-11]. There was significant difference between scores of knowledge and attitude among different age groups. Women who were in the age group [40-years], divorced or married and teachers had higher significant knowledge score than other groups. Younger married women and teachers attained significantly the highest mean score of BSE skills [proficiency]. It was found that the women who belonged to age group [25-years] had got significantly the highest mean attitude score. University graduated women attained significantly the lowest mean subjective norms. Although there were differences between different groups related to socio-demographic characters as regard BSE intention and performance, these differences were not significant. In agreement with the theory of reasoned action, general subjective norms [GSN], and effect [direct attitude] were found to be among the predictors of intention to practice BSE together with marital status and age [R2=0.233]. Intention and affect [direct attitude] scores were proved as the predictors of BSE performance [R2=0.62]. It is recommended that health educators should design theory-based interventions that foster positive attitudes, increase knowledge about BSE, and motivate women to practice it. These interventions need to be done in the context of the Saudi cultural norms.