THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND BEHAVIORS RELATED TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG THE VILLAGE HEALTH VOLUNTEERS IN NASEAW SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to examine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and breast self-examination practices, the relationships among these factors, and strategies for breast cancer prevention. The sample consisted of 113 village health volunteers. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated for content validity and tested for reliability. The reliability coefficient for the knowledge section, calculated using the KR-20 method, was 0.81, while the attitude and practice sections demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.82 and 0.78, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and qualitative content analysis.

The results revealed that the participants had good levels of knowledge, attitudes, and BSE practices, with mean scores of 10.41, 4.30, and 14.46, respectively. Knowledge showed a low positive correlation with breast self-examination practices that was statistically significant (r = 0.137, p-value < 0.05), whereas attitudes demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with breast self-examination practices (r = 0.56, p-value < 0.05). The prevention strategies include promoting health care, performing regular breast self-examinations, enhancing knowledge and awareness through collaboration with relevant networks, and improving equitable access to health services.

The research recommendation is to use the findings to develop training guidelines for village health volunteers and to effectively promote breast self-examination in the community.