Knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of Korean women and their spouses in the contemplation stage of breast self-examination.

Full Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of breast self-examination (BSE) in Korean couples in the contemplation stage. The study design was based on assumptions from the Health Belief Model and Transtheoretical Model that contemplators perceiving benefits as greater than barriers are likely to move to the next stage. Participant couples, with wives having never practiced BSE but with an intention to do so, were drawn from churches. Qualitative research was conducted with focus group methodology including both husbands and wives in the groups. Data transcribed from audiotapes were analyzed to identify common themes. Knowledge of breast cancer and BSE included "perceiving risks of getting breast cancer," "behaviors used to stay healthy and detect breast cancer," and "skills in BSE"; barriers to BSE included "lack of sensitivity to breast cancer," "fear of getting bad news," "lack of information," and "shortage of time"; and facilitators of BSE included "making BSE a monthly routine," "continuous systematic interaction from healthcare professionals reaching out to the community," and "encouragement and help from husbands." To improve compliance with BSE, women in the contemplation stage need specific and correct knowledge delivered by diverse materials, reminders, and the inclusion of husbands as facilitators.

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Author information

Author/s: Park, SoMi (S); Hur, Hea Kung (HK); Kim, GiYon (G); Song, HeeYoung (H);

Affiliation: Department of Nursing, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Kangwon-do, Korea.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Cancer nursing (Cancer Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2007 Jan-Feb; vol 30 (issue 1) : pp 78-84

Dates: Created 2007/01/19; Completed 2007/02/07;

PMID: 17235225, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Attitude to Health
Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; ethnology
Breast Self-Examination - utilization
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Status

Health Surveys
Humans
Korea - ethnology
Male
Middle Aged
Risk Factors
Spouses

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