The Effectiveness of Educational Intervention based on the Health Action Model (HAM) in Improving Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors

AbstractIntroduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Considering the lack of knowledge about the cause of breast cancer and since all women are susceptible to this disease, training screening behaviors for early diagnosis is essential to reduce the mortality from this disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of training based on the health action model in improving breast cancer screening behaviors in women aged 30 to 69 in Kashan City.Methods: The present study was semi-experimental and the research setting included comprehensive health service centers in Kashan. The statistical population was women aged 30 to 69. A total of 162 women in the same age group were selected to participate in the study by simple random sampling. They were divided into two intervention and control groups. Before the educational intervention, a questionnaire distributed between two groups. The educational package was designed and prepared after analyzing the initial data of the questionnaires. The educational intervention was performed in both virtual (Whatsapp platform) and attendance methods for the intervention group over two months. All participants completed informed consent forms before the study. The questionnaires were distributed and collected in three periods before, three, and six months after the educational intervention. The data was analyzed using SPSS 22 software.Findings: The mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, subjective norms, skills and behavioral intention related to monthly breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography, significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group three and six months after the intervention. Furthermore, screening behaviors, including monthly breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography, significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group 3 three and six months after the intervention (P<0.05).Conclusion: The research results proved the effectiveness of interventions based on the health action model in promoting breast cancer screening behaviors and the determinants of such behaviors.