Predictors of breast self-examination among family practice patients

The predictors of breast self-examination (BSE) and knowledge of BSE technique were examined among patients of a family practice group. There was found to be little relationship between the frequency with which women practiced BSE and their knowledge of effective BSE technique. The most important predictors of frequency of BSE were patients' perception of the social support for BSE and the extent to which they found BSE to be distasteful. Perceived health benefits of BSE were of less importance in predicting behavior. Knowledge of BSE technique was unrelated to any of these predictors. Women's self-reported confidence in their knowledge of BSE technique was only weakly related to their assessed knowledge. Further analysis showed that formal instruction in BSE was associated with a higher frequency of self-examination and greater knowledge of technique. The implication of the findings for family practice are discussed.