An Application of the Protection Motivation Theory to Predict Breast Self-Examination Behavior among Female Healthcare Workers

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and has the highest mortality rate among the women around the world. Early diagnosis of this cancer increases the survival of the patients. The aim of this study was to determine the predictor factors for breast self-examination (BSE) based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) among female healthcare workers in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical-descriptive study was conducted on 501 employed women in age range of 20-61 years old in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in west of Iran during 2018. Participants in the study were random stratified sampling selected. Data collection tools were demographic information and the constructs of PMT. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the logistic regression tests. RESULTS: =0.25). CONCLUSION: The frequency of practice of BSE in female healthcare workers is low. Therefore, it is imperative to periodically emphasize the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis for them and the design of educational programs based on the PMT can increase the regular of BSE behavior.