Breast Self-Examination Practices and Influencing Factors among Healthcare Professionals Consisting of Nurses and Midwives

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the status of breast self-examination practices and the influencing factors among healthcare professionals consisting of nurses and midwives. Methods: Descriptive study was conducted with 500 healthcare professionals, who are nurses and midwives working in four state hospitals. The data were collected using a personal information form, Health Belief Model Scale, and Scale to Measure Factors Influencing Women's Breast Cancer Prevention Behaviors. Descriptive statistics, t-test in independent groups, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: The findings showed that 49.8% of the participants practiced breast self-examination. The risk associated with the lack of breast self-examination practice was two fold higher in those whose income was less than their expenses, who did not experience pregnancy, and who had no history of breast cancer among first-degree relatives. A one-unit decrease in self-efficacy perception and information seeking score increased the risk of not performing breast self-examination 1.1 times. Conclusion: The results showed that the rate of breast self-examination practices among healthcare professionals were low and income status, pregnancy history, family history of breast cancer, perception of self-efficacy and information-seeking behavior influenced breast self-examination.