Breast
cancer carries a strong emotional load for women. Taking into
consideration sexual aspects as well as social symbolic
significance of women’s breasts in regard to definition of
femininity, women’s breasts are integral aspects in defining
femininity. In Jordan, breast cancer
is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Jordanian women, and
the second leading cause of other deaths (Al-Ma'aitah & Haddad,
1999)
In most cases, the female health care provider
has been found to be the preferred source for information about
breast cancer screening because women feel more comfortable in
asking questions. Thus nurses as female health care providers
have a vital role in increasing women’s awareness of early
detection and providing adequate information about breast cancer
screening.
Two theoretical frameworks are used for this study: the Health
Belief Model (HBM), and the social cognitive theory (SCT).
The
self-administered questionnaire consists of Champion’s Health
Beliefs Scale, demographic variables of the participants,
frequency of practice of the mammography, and intention to
practice mammography. The demographic variables included age,
education, marital status, personal and family history of breast
tumors, and health care insurance. A scale that measures
Knowledge of risks of breast cancer will be added by using the
ACS guidelines of risk factors associated with breast cancer.
Answers to the knowledge scale are dichotomous, and number of
correct answers will be summed to give an overall knowledge
scale.
Participation in the study should not cause subjects additional
distress.
* Faculty
: Nursing .
* Specific
Specialization:
Community Health Nursing.
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