According to Department of Health, Executive Yuan, the latest statistics in 2006 revealed a growing number of female breast cancer patients in Taiwan(only second to cervical cancer patients).Breast cancer occurrence rate has been ranked the fourth among females and more young groups are facing the
situation.With an increasing number of breast cancer patients, the purpose of this study is intended to figure out the relationship between female college freshmen?s cognitive behaviors and health belief model practice with regard to breast self-examinations (BSE), hoping to promote related preventive measures in BSE.
Self-designed questionnaires (compatible with horizontal research method) are the primary means in this study. A total of 1,049 questionnaires (from December 2007 to January 2008) were distributed among female college freshmen at one university in central Taiwan.Of all, 833 copies were valid for statistical analysis (the validity ratio is 79%).Analytical measures included descriptive analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson?s product -moment correlation and multiple regression.
The findings showed the following results.
First, students from College of Health Science performed better in awareness of BSE than their counterparts from other colleges.
Second, nearly 80 percent of students considered breast cancer serious and were positive about BSE;
however, 60 percent of students were not as confident in properly recognizing early signs of breast cancer.
Third, students? knowledge about BSE was primarily from mass media, followed by relevant health flyers, pamphlets or Internet.Also, teachers, physicians and family members were also sources of BSE knowledge.
Fourth, nearly half of the students either knew but had insufficient knowledge about BSE or were not sure about applying BSE.Only forty percent of students were firm about practicing BSE.
Fifth, perceived benefits of taking action have a positive correlation with self-efficacy.A negative correlation was revealed between perceived benefits of taking action and perceived barriers of taking action.
Finally, the major variables that led to practicing BSE were bathroom facilities, educational curriculums, BSE experiences, teachers and self-awareness.
Research implications highlight the importance of promoting female students? self-awareness of BSE through hands-on workshops on campus, related health bureaus and mass media.In so doing, female students will be more likely to pay attention to BSE and its practical application, thus reducing their own lack of knowledge and uncertainty.
