The influence of psycho-social factors on participation levels in community-based breast cancer prevention programs in Tehran, Iran

• Main Authors: Ahmadian, Maryam, Abu Samah, Asnarulkhadi, Redzuan, Ma'rof, Emby, Zahid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Center of Science and Education 2012
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22718/1/The%20influence%20of%20psycho.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/22718/; http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/gjhs/article/view/13986
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Background: Although significant consideration has been devoted to women participation in breast cancer prevention programs, our understanding about the psychosocial factors which influence participation remains incomplete. Method: The study applied a quantitative approach based on the cross-sectional survey design and multistage cluster random sampling. A total of 400 women aged 35-69 years, were surveyed at 4 obstetric and gynecologic clinics affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran: the participation levels of 86 women who have had a mammogram were analyzed based on their self-efficacy, belief, social influence, and barriers concerning mammography utilization. Results: Consistent with the study framework, in bivariate analysis, the higher level of women’s participation in breast cancer prevention programs was significantly related to more positive belief about mammography (p< .05), greater social influence on mammography (p< .01) and fewer barriers to mammography (p< .01). Self efficacy (p= .114) was not significantly related to the higher level of participation. Conclusion: Results suggest that women’s participation levels in breast cancer prevention programs might be associated with the specific psychosocial factors on breast cancer preventive behavior such as mammography screening.