The role of psychosocial variables in breast self-examination practice: Results from focus group discussions in Surabaya, Indonesia.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is a global life-threatening disease. Breast self-examination (BSE) followed by timely diagnosis and treatment is a viable screening method for populations with limited health care access such as Indonesia. Knowledge of the beliefs underlying BSE could benefit the development of future health education efforts to promote BSE and breast cancer awareness among Indonesian women, with the ultimate aim to achieve early detection and promote long-term survivals. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying beliefs of BSE among women in Surabaya, Indonesia in accordance with the reasoned action approach (RAA) framework. Moreover, we investigated what these women considered an effective approach to improve breast awareness and promote BSE in their social networks. METHOD: The participants included 62 women aged 18-55 (M = 32,9) in Surabaya, Indonesia who were divided into nine focus groups. Directed content analysis was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Six psychosocial determinants of performing BSE emerged from the analysis: knowledge, attitude and beliefs, risk perception, norms, perceived behavior control, and intention. Furthermore, the participants identified face-to-face meetings with visual media and healthcare professionals as effective channels to enhance breast awareness. CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the application of the RAA for BSE, and reveals the importance of face-to-face meetings involving healthcare professionals and women's social networks for breast education.