Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Breast Self-Examination behaviors among Undergraduate Nursing Students at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chiang Mai: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. Early screening and detection are crucial for treatment outcomes. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a simple, cost-effective screening method. For nursing students, who are future healthcare professionals, possessing appropriate knowledge, health beliefs, and BSE practice is essential. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the level of knowledge regarding BSE, (2) the level of health beliefs about BSE, and (3) the BSE practice behavior among Bachelor of Nursing Science students at Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chiang Mai. Methods: This was a descriptive research study utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the conceptual framework. The population consisted of 593 nursing students enrolled in the academic year 2023. A total of 240 samples were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques based on the Krejcie & Morgan formula. The research instrument was a 4-part online questionnaire covering: personal data, BSE knowledge (20 items), health beliefs (41 items), and BSE practice behavior (12 items). The content validity index (CVI) for the knowledge and health belief questionnaires was 0.80 and 0.84, respectively, with Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients of 0.82 and 0.88, respectively. Data analysis employed frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Results: the majority of the samples were aged 18-20 years (57.5%), had regular menstruation (67.5%), and had no history of breast cancer in direct relatives (95.8%). The primary source of knowledge was high school education (25.8%). The mean knowledge level of BSE was at a moderate level (49.17%). The findings indicated that 49.17% of the participants had a correct level of knowledge regarding breast self-examination (BSE). However, all subscales of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were rated at a low level 1) perceived Susceptibility and Severity of Breast Cancer (x̄ = 2.00, S.D.=0.41) 2) perceived benefits of breast self-examination (x̄ = 2.14, S.D.=0.44 3) perceived Barriers to Breast self-examination (x̄ = 1.42, S.D.=0.59 4) self-efficacy for breast self-examination (x̄ = 1.99, S.D.=0.57). Regarding behavior, the majority of students reported performing BSE (77.36%), with the most frequently practiced technique being the standing in front of a mirror position (84.10%). The research results provide baseline data for developing appropriate health promotion programs to effectively enhance breast cancer prevention and early detection. Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between variables of the Health Belief Model and the breast self-examination behavior of nursing students. This is particularly important concerning the monthly regularity and the procedural accuracy of the examination