Attitude Barriers to Breast Self-Examination from the Perspective of Women Referred to Health Centers Affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background:Breast Neoplasms is one of the most prevalent cancers in women. In the early stages, the disease can be diagnosed and controlled by Breast Self-Examination(BSE).But sometimes attitude barriers avoiding women to BSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes barriers of breast self-examination from the perspective of women who refer to health centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences(SUMS). Method:the research was conducted as a cross sectional method in August to September 2019 on women 20-60 years referring to health centers affiliated to SUMS. Participants were selected by simple Random sampling and 101 complete questionnaires were returned. Data collection tool was the researcher-made questionnaire included 5 comonents(12 items) in Likert scales. Data were analyzed by SPSS22 software using One sample T-test, Independednt T-test and Pearson correlation. Results:Except for the component of mental beliefs(P=0.92), all other components, were significantly lower than expected (p <0.001).The mean scores were for embarrassment (2.85±0.48), previous knowledge(2.93±0.69), negligence(3.03±0.49), and fear of breast mass (3.05±0.43)respectively. Attitudinal barriers decreased with increasing education(p=0.01). Also, in evaluating the correlation between the components, the highest correlation was between previous knowledge effect and Negligence(r=0.66), Embarrassing(r=0.52), fear of breath mass(0.50) respectively. Also correlation between negligence and fear of breast madd was 0.52. Conclusion:Because some factors such as incorrect previous knowledge, embarrassment, fear and forgetfulness are barriers to BSE, designing educational programs at different age and educational levels is essential especially for adolescents.To eliminate previous misconceptions and attitudes, creating good culture through public media and social networks can be effective.