Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Iranian Women

Background: Early detection of breast cancer is of great importance to improve women’s health and to decrease the cost related to cancer death. Therefore, recognition of variables related to breast cancer screening behaviors is necessary. Objectives of this study were to identify the rates of breast self-examination (BSE) performance and mammography use in Iranian women, and to characterize the demographic and cognitive factors associated with their breast cancer screening behavior. Method: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 388 females, using an adapted version of Champion’s revised Health Belief Model Scale. Results: The results showed that 7.5% of the participants performed BSE on a regular monthly basis, and among the women aged 40 and older, 14.3% reported having had at least one mammography in their lifetime. Perceived self-efficacy and perceived barriers to BSE were significant predictors for BSE performance. For having mammography, health motivation was the main predictor. Conclusion: Eliminating barriers and increasing perceived self-efficacy with an emphasis to make the women acquainted with BSE performance; as well as increasing health motivation of women and persuading of physicians for clinical breast examination (CBE) performance with low cost and free access to mammography, are important to promote BSE and mammography

Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Iranian Women

Background: Early detection of breast cancer is of great importance to improve women’s health and to decrease the cost related to cancer death. Therefore, recognition of variables related to breast cancer screening behaviors is necessary. Objectives of this study were to identify the rates of breast self-examination (BSE) performance and mammography use in Iranian women, and to characterize the demographic and cognitive factors associated with their breast cancer screening behavior. Method: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 388 females, using an adapted version of Champion’s revised Health Belief Model Scale. Results: The results showed that 7.5% of the participants performed BSE on a regular monthly basis, and among the women aged 40 and older, 14.3% reported having had at least one mammography in their lifetime. Perceived self-efficacy and perceived barriers to BSE were significant predictors for BSE performance. For having mammography, health motivation was the main predictor. Conclusion: Eliminating barriers and increasing perceived self-efficacy with an emphasis to make the women acquainted with BSE performance; as well as increasing health motivation of women and persuading of physicians for clinical breast examination (CBE) performance with low cost and free access to m ammography, are important to promote BSE and mammography

Is Health Locus of Control a Modifying Factor in the Health Belief Model for Prediction of Breast Self-Examination?

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world. Early detection is necessary to improve outcomes and decrease related costs. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of health locus of control as a modifying factor in the Health Belief Model (HBM) for prediction of breast self-examination. Materials and Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 400 women selected through the convenience sampling from health centers. Data were collected using part of the Champion’s HBM scale (CHBMS), the Health Locus of Control Scale and a self administered questionnaire. For data analysis by SPSS the independent T test, Chi square test, logistic and linear regression modes were appliedl. Results: The results showed that 10.9% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. Health locus of control did not act as a predictor of BSE as a modifying factor. In this study, perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of BSE performance (Exp (B) =1.863) with direct effect, while awareness had direct and indirect influence. Conclusions: For increasing BSE, improvement of self-efficacy especially in young women and increasing knowledge about cancer is necessary

Determinants of Breast Self-Examination Performance Among Iranian Women: An Application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Screening behavior rates are low in the world. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate breast self-examination (BSE) rate and the relationships of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs for predicting BSE. Path analysis was used to examine both one-way direct and indirect effects of HBM factors on BSE in this population (N=382). Data were collected by a part of Champion’s HBM Scale (CHBMS) and a selfadministered questionnaire. The results showed that 7.6% of the participants reported performing BSE regularly. The final model provided a good fit to the data, with 13 variables explaining 62% of the variance in BSE. Perceived self-efficacy was intermediate construct between modifying factors and HBM constructs. Also, perceived self-efficacy and perceived benefits were the most highly related to BSE. The results suggest that HBM is a useful framework for identifying factors influencing the use of BSE in Iranian women

Evaluation of in vitro antileishmanial activity of curcumin and its derivatives “Gallium curcumin, Indium curcumin and Diacethyle curcumin”

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Leishmania parasites are intracellular haemoflagellates that infect macrophages of the skin and viscera to produce diseases in their vertebrates hosts. Antileishmania therapy is based on pentavalent antimony compounds which toxicity of these agents and the persistence of side effects are severe. Curcumin was identified to be responsible for most of the biological effects of turmeric. Turmeric plant extracts (curcumin and other derivatives) have anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, antileishmanial, hepato protective, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer and anti diabetic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stock solutions of curcumin, indium curcumin, diacetylcurcumin and Gallium curcumin were made up in DMSO. From the each stock solution serial dilutions were made with phosphate buffered saline and 100 μl of each prepared concentration was added to each well of 96-well micro plate. All tests were performed in triplicate. Negative control only received RPMI-1640 medium with a parasite density of 106 parasites /ml and the positive control contained varying concentrations of standard antileishmania compound, Amphotericine B. MTT solution was prepared as 5 mg/ml in RPMI-1640 and 20 μl of this concentration was added to each well. Antileishmania effects of test agents and control were evaluated by using the MTT assay. RESULTS: Mean growth inhibition of triplicate for each concentration of test agents and control were measured. The IC50 values for curcumin, gallium curcumin [ga (CUR) 3], indium curcumin [in (CUR)3], Diacethyle Curcumin (DAC ) and Amphotericine B were 38 μg/ml, 32 μg/ml, 26 μg/ml, 52 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml respectively. Indium curcumin [in (CUR) 3] with IC50 values of 26 μg/ml was more effective than other three test agents against Leishmania. Mean growth inhibition of triplicate for Amphotericine B as control drug,was 20 μg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Indium curcumin and Gallium curcumin complex showed more antileishmanial activity than curcumin and diacetylcurcumin and could be suitable candidates for further investigation

Evaluation of Iranian Medical Universities' Websites Based On Content and Technical Features Effecting On Promotion of Webometric Rank

aim: Websites of medical universities in addition to its role as an information tool in the health scope, they have also importance in the promotion of universities’ ranking in webometrics ranking of world universities and also in the webometric ranking of Iranian universities and research institutions. So, continuous evaluation of these websites in different aspects, especially based on considering index of these ranSpearman correlations. Findings: The finding of this study showed that in total, from maximum score related to evaluating criteria i.e. 102 scores, Tehran University of medical sciences (by obtaining 73.66 scores), Isfahan University of medical sciences (by obtaining 67.65 scores) and Kashan University of medical sciences (by obtaining 66.56 scores) have the most accommodation with the research checklist. Bam university of medical sciences, Dezfool university of medical sciences and Jiroft university of medical sciences (38.87, 38.85 and 37.02 respectively) have the least accommodation. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the whole website is far from an ideal situation. So, Iranian medical universities need to take advantage of the results of this study to improve the structure and content of their websites. These universities besides pay more attention to produce of rich and update information content also they must notice to technical criteria of search engines optimization in designing of their websites and by removing the technical access problems, try to eliminate the barriers of visibility

Factors Predicting Fecal Occult Blood Testing among Residents of Bushehr, Iran, Based on the Health Belief Model

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Fecal occult blood testing has proven a very effective screening tool for early detection and mortality reduction. The aim of this study was to determine predictors factors related to fecal occult blood testing using the Health Belief Model method among residents of Bushehr, Iran. A cross sectional study was performed on a sample of 600 men and women more than 50 years of age. The sample was selected by a convenience method from patients referred to public and private laboratories throughout the city. Each subject filled out a questionnaire which was designed and developed based on Health Belief Model constructs. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA, T-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Fecal occult blood tests were performed on 179 (29.8%) out of 600 subjects, of which 95 patients (58.1%) did a periodic examination test and 84 patients (46.9%) had a doctor’s advice for testing. According to the logistic regression model, the perceived barriers (P=0.0, Exp(B)= 0.3), perceived benefits (P<0.01, Exp(B)= 1.9) and self-efficacy (P<0.01, Exp(B)= 1.6) were predictive factors related to occult blood testing among subjects. The results showed that reducing people’s perception of barriers to testing, increasing perceived benefits of screening, and reinforcing self efficacy can have major effect in increasing the rate of fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer prevention

Determinants of Self- Management Among Diabetic Patients: A Path Analysis

Diabetes self-management (DSM) is a complex behavior and various factors influence it. Despite continual recommendations to DSM, implementation of this behavior still remains a major health problem for diabetic patients. Identifying effective factors in DSM is useful to promote health in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of individual and environmental factors on DSM. Path analysis was used to examine both one-way direct and indirect effects of 7 constructs and 3 demographic factors on DSM in this population (N = 396). Data were collected from a convenience sample of 104 (26.3%) males and 292 (73.7%) females with a median age 53 years. The final model provided a good fit to the data explaining 25% of the variance in DSM. Illness perception and provider–patient communication were the most effective factors in DSM. Knowledge and self-efficacy affected DSM indirectly via illness perception. The results of this study showed that effective DSM interventions should be designed to change illness perception and patient–provider communication, especially in patients with low duration of diabetes and low level of education

Psychometric Evaluation of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Belief Scale Based on Health Belief Model’s Constructs for the Fecal Occult Blood Test

Background: It is important to validate scales related to cancer screening beliefs in order to better understand perceptions. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the colorectal cancer screening belief scale based on Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 600 persons referred to outpatient laboratory units in Iran through a convenience sampling procedure. In this cross-sectional study, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine construct validity of scale. Results: Through exploratory factor analysis, 52 items of the scale converged to five constructs of HBM with 4 items omission. Construct validity was determined by confirmatory factor analysis through which correlated model was supported. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was obtained as 0.78, which indicates reliability of the scale. Conclusions: The study findings showed that this scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used for measuring HBM constructs about colorectal cancer screening with the fecal occult blood test

The Effect of Health Belief Model-Based Education through Telegram Instant Messaging Services on Pap smear performance

Background: Pap smear is an effective screening method for early detection of cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on Health Belief Model (HBM) through Telegram instant messaging services on the Pap smear test. Material and methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study which was performed on 106 eligible women (48 participants in the intervention group and 47 participants in the control group). The patients in both groups completed the written consent form and questionnaires at the beginning of the study. In intervention group, the educational content based on HBM was regularly sent via Telegram during one month. After education and three months later, both groups completed questionnaires. Then, the data was analyzed with using SPSS version 22. Results: The findings showed that the two groups at first were similar in demographic characteristics. In the intervention group, the mean difference of the scores before and immediate post training on the knowledge and all of the constructs were significant (P<0.001). Also, the mean difference of the scores before and three months after training on knowledge and all of the constructs (except for perceived barriers) has increased and about the perceived barriers this difference has decreased significantly compared to the score before the training. In the control group, changes in knowledge and other constructs were not significant in during the study. Within the three months after the training, 23 participants (47.9%) in the intervention group, and 4 participants (5.8%) in the control group performed Pap smear which indicates a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: With regard to the individuals’ access to mobile phone, content posted by Telegram on the HBM-based education affects the women’s belief and behavior regarding Pap smear test