The Effect of Tailored Interventions on Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors and Health Perceptions in Women with Low Socioeconomic Levels

Authors : Aysun Perim Ketenciler, Selda Seçginli

Pages : 60-71

Doi:10.21763/tjfmpc.1546273

View : 47 | Download : 76

Publication Date : 2025-03-07

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: Breast cancer is a prevalent and significant health issue among women both globally and in our country. The aim of this study is to systematically examine the effects of tailored interventions, such as group education and telephone counseling, on breast cancer screening behaviors and health perceptions among women with low socioeconomic status. The study seeks to evaluate how these interventions influence women\\\'s health awareness, their adoption of screening behaviors, and their access to healthcare services. Method: This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted at a family health center. Data were collected by using the Diagnostic Form, Breast Cancer Health Belief Model Scale, Mammography Self-efficacy Scale, and Breast Cancer Fear Scale. The study sample consisted of 123 women. The Tailored Interventions in Breast Cancer Screenings (TIBCS) included group education and telephone counseling. These tailored interventions were based on the health belief model. The study consisted of two experimental groups those receiving tailored group education (N=41) and those receiving tailored telephone counseling (N=41) and one control group receiving standard care (N=41). A pre-test and post-test control group design was used in the study, and the outcome variables were evaluated before the intervention and at the 3rd and 6th months after the intervention. Data were collected by using the Socioeconomic Status Scale, Diagnostic Form, Breast Cancer Health Belief Model Scale, Mammography Self-Efficacy Scale, Breast Cancer Fear Scale, and Breast Cancer Fatalism Scale. The NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) program was used for statistical analysis. Data were evaluated by using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The study found that TIBCS increased the rates of regular self-breast examinations, clinical breast examinations, and mammography screenings (p<0.05). In the experimental groups of the TIBCS, it was observed that self-breast examination benefits, mammography benefits, confidence, and health motivation perceptions increased, while perceived barriers to self-breast examination and mammography decreased (p<0.05), with no change in susceptibility perception (p>0.05). Similarly, in both experimental groups, women\\\'s perceptions of mammography self-efficacy increased, while fear and fatalism perceptions showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). Conclusion: TIBCS applied to women with low socioeconomic status is effective in increasing the rate of breast cancer screening behaviors and improving health perceptions. Therefore, tailored interventions are considered to be beneficial in future studies.
Keywords : kendi kendine meme muayenesi, klinik meme muayenesi, mamografi, sağlık algıları, yapılandırılmış girişim