Self-efficacy in Using Mammography and Fear of Breast Cancer in Women

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Self-efficacy and fear are effective factors in using mammography in women. Considering the high rate of breast cancer and the low number of women referring to mammography, the present study was performed to determine the relationship between self-efficacy in using mammography and fear of breast cancer. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 86 women over the age of 40 years referring to three comprehensive health centers in Khalkhal, Northwest of Iran between December 2020 and May 2021. Data collection tools were a demographic questionnaire, Sherer’s General Self-Efficacy Scale and Champion’s Fear of Breast Cancer Scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 20) and Pearson correlation coefficient. The mean age of the participants was 47.47±6.77 years. The mean score of self-efficacy was 59.71±6.03 (46-71) and the mean score of fear of breast cancer was 24.34±7.11 (8-40). There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy and fear score (p<0.001). Self-efficacy is recognized as an influential factor in the regular implementation of breast cancer screening behaviors.

Keywords

• self-efficacy
• fear
• mammography
• breast cancer