WOMEN'S ACCEPTANCE OF BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R01 · $168,466 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

During the first year, the objectives were: (1) to determine the effects of self-monitoring and remainder techniques on (a) the frequency with which women carry out BSE over a six-month period; and (b) the quality of BSE carried out; (2) to determine characterisitics of women who carry out BSE at differential levels over a six-month period. To meet the self-monitoring aspect of Objective 1, a nine-month calendar was printed on the back of the BSE instructions and stickers which said "Do A BSE" and "Mark Your Calendar" were developed. The external technique is a postcard which is individually timed in mailing to arrive at the time of the month appropriate for the women's BSE. To meet Objective 1a, a measure was developed which involves drawing the findings of the self-examination on a schematic diagram. It is printed on carbonless "snap-aparts" which allows women to keep a record to determine any changes from month to month. Objectives 1b assesses quality of BSE by: (1) the BSE Record discribed above, and (2) a BSE Behavior Checklist which allows recording the steps of a thorough BSE. To meet Objective 2, an interview form was designed to gather data on (a) previous experience with BSE; (b) personal and family history of breast cancer and cancer; (c) Health Belief Model attitudes; (d) the Health Locus of Control Scale; and (e) demographic items. The experiment is slightly more than half completed at this time. Effort has been placed in screening women, recruiting those eligible, and teaching them BSE.

Key facts

NIH application ID
3174372
Project number
5R01CA036798-06
Recipient
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE BEHAVIORAL MED
Principal Investigator
KATHLEEN E GRADY
Activity code
R01
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
1989
Award amount
$168,466
Award type
5
Project period
1987-07-15 → 1992-06-30