Inconsistent Mammography Perceptions and Practice among Women of Over 40 Years in Iran

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

Health Education and Health Promotion Department, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to report the relationship between perceptions of mammography and screening practices.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2017, involving 400 women of over
40 years old, who was referred to as urban health centers in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were selected by multi-stage
cluster sampling. Women with inconsistent mammography perceptions and practices were identified the Pros and Cons
of mammography behavior for perceptions and Transtheoretical model (TTM) stage of adoption for prior and intended
screening practices. The research instrument included a self-administered questionnaire and data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency, and the chi-square, T-tests, and correlation regression analysis.
Results: The average age participant was 45.6±5.4. Consistent with the TTM and pros and cons of mammography,
women in action tended to have more positive perceptions of mammography than women in pre-contemplation or
contemplation (mean decisional balance: action= 16.8; SD, 1.4; contemplation=1.8; SD, 0.48; precontemplation= SD,
1.4;0.56; p<0.001). Conclusion: results of the current study indicate there are inconsistent mammography perceptions
and practice among women in Iran, then we recommend that future intervention, consider setting factors in addition
to standard perceptions focused counseling.

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Main Subjects