Factors influencing registered nurses teaching breast self-examination to female clients

A university hospital-based study was conducted to explore factors that influence nurses teaching breast self-examination (BSE) to female clients, using the PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling factors in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation) model as an organizing framework. Female registered nurses (N = 140) from adult inpatient and outpatient units completed a questionnaire that included items about frequency of BSE, knowledge of breast cancer screening and BSE technique, health motivation, confidence and competence in performing BSE, and teaching BSE. Data analysis compared the characteristics of nurses who reported teaching BSE with nurses who did not teach. Nurses in the teaching group had more work experience in nursing and were more likely to have a friend with breast cancer than were those in the nonteaching group. The teaching group had more knowledge about breast cancer screening and BSE technique and reported more confidence and competence in performing BSE.