Correlation between the Nurses? Health Beliefs and their Practice of Breast Self Examination

Breast cancer is a major health problem globally and has been on the rise steadily. Early detection helps in decreasing the mortality and morbidity. Breast Self Examination (BSE) helps in early detection. The practice of BSE may be influenced by the health beliefs. A descriptive correlational research design was done to assess the relationship between the nurses? health beliefs and their practice of BSE. Data were collected from 330 staff nurses working in a tertiary care hospital. Proportionate random sampling technique was used. Data were collected using demographic proforma, practice questionnaire and Champion?s Health Belief Model Scale which were self administered. The findings revealed that 5.8% had favourable health beliefs, 90.9 % had moderately favourable health beliefs and 3.3% had unfavourable health beliefs. 8.8 % had favourable practice, 39.7% had moderately favourable practice and 51.5 % had unfavourable practice of BSE. There was significant association between perceived barriers to BSE and practice and also between marital status and health beliefs. The importance of practice of BSE should be reiterated to staff nurses and necessary steps should be taken to address the concerns related to barriers to BSE for achieving favourable practice.