Effect of Knowledge, Teaching Method, Confidence and Social Influence on Breast Self‐Examination Behavior

A descriptive study was conducted to identify the relationship of knowledge, teaching methods, confidence and social influence to intent, frequency and proficiency of breast self-examination. A probability sample of 380 women aged 35 years and over served as subjects for in-home interviews conducted by trained graduate assistants. Knowledge correlated significantly with intent and proficiency of breast self-examination but not with frequency. Confidence correlated significantly with all three dependent variables, while social influence correlated only with intent. Being taught individually with a return demonstration increased proficiency and frequency. Implications for clinical application and future research are suggested.