Background. The rate of breast cancer incidence in the Philippines has increased in recent years. Three out of 100 Filipino women will contract breast cancer before age 75; one out of 100 will die before age 75. Purpose. The study was used to determine the level of knowledge of the respondents about breast cancer and breast cancer screening modalities, the relationship of the level of knowledge and frequency of breast self-examination (BSE) performance; the predictive ability of their health perceptions; modifying variables for their intent to perform BSE, submit to screening mammography, and engage in clinical breast exam (CBE); their sources of information; and preferred educational platforms. Theoretical Framework. The health belief model was used to guide the study to ascertain the predictive ability of the respondents’ perceptions and modifying variables. Methods. A quantitative exploratory design utilizing the messaging feature of a social media for recruitment was used. McCance’s Breast Cancer Knowledge Test (BCKT), Champion’s Revised Susceptibility, Benefits and Barriers Scale for Mammography (RSBBSM), and Sunil et al.’s CBE were the tools used to collect data via Qualtrics. Descriptive static, correlation, and logistic regressions were used. Results. Breast-cancer-related knowledge was moderate level and has positive correlation with the frequency by which BSE is performed. Breast-cancer-related knowledge and perceptions about barriers to BSE and CBE were predictive of the intent to perform BSE, submit to mammography, and engage in CBE. The modifying variables were found to have no predictive ability. Conclusion. Understanding respondents’ knowledge and perceptions has highlighted areas for improving breast health, such as creation of nursing courses, community outreach and advocacy activities, health policy changes, and further studies on the topic.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 2019 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Cynthia Fletcher (Supervisor) |
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