The Association of Health Literacy with Breast Cancer Knowledge, Perception and Screening Behavior

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of breast cancer among Iranian women is increasing, and 70% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. The current study aimed at evaluating the association of health literacy (HL) with breast cancer knowledge, perception, and screening behavior in women.Materials and Methods: The current cross- sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 250 women who referred to health centers in Zahedan, Iran. Data collection instrument included a demographic information form, Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire (IHLQ), and Champion's health belief model scale.Results: The majority of participants (89.6%) had limited HL. Participants with limited HL had less breast cancer knowledge, and less perceived severity than who had higher HL score. Participants with higher HL score had done breast self-exam (BSE) more than the others. There was no significant relationship between HL and clinical breast examination (CBE), and with perceived susceptibility.Conclusion: Interventions to enhance breast cancer knowledge and screening should notice the HL of women.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• cancer screenings
• health literacy
• women