Factors influencing black women's breast self-examination practice

This descriptive correlational study of 95 black women was designed to investigate breast self-examination (BSE) practice and examine the relationship among the frequency of BSE and health locus of control, breast cancer knowledge and demographic factors. Results showed that the majority of women (67%) failed to follow the American Cancer Society recommendations and reported practicing BSE less frequently than every month. Over one-third of the women (35%) reported BSE practice less than every 6 months. Statistically significant associations were found between the frequency of breast self-examination and the variables age, prior experience with breast disease, and powerful other locus of control. The frequency of BSE practice was found to be age related with older women in the sample practicing BSE more frequently than the younger women (chi 24df = 12.81, p less than 0.01). Women without prior exposure to breast disease tended to practice BSE least frequently (chi 2 = 12.04, p less than 0.01). Belief that health professionals control a person's health, powerful other health locus of control, was strongest in women who practiced BSE least frequently (H = 9.43, p = 0.01). Breast cancer knowledge scores were found to be uniformly low with women answering only 57% of the questions accurately. Nurses can use this knowledge to develop interventions that promote BSE practice. Strategies are suggested for strengthening factors associated with practicing BSE.