PREDICTING BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Early detection and timely treatment are effective in reducing mortality in breast cancer but screening is not widespread in Singapore currently. The present study employed the theory of planned behaviour {TPB) to examine predictors of breast self-examination {ESE) to facilitate better screening promotion. The independent predictive utilities of perceived behavioural control and affect toward BSE were also examined. One hundred and fifty four women filled up questionnaires assessing attitudes toward BSE, subjective norm, perceived BSE control, affect, ESE intention and frequency. Regression analysis showed that the TPB model explained 56 per cent of the variance in BSE intention and 33 per cent in BSE frequency. The inclusion of perceived BSE control in the model was supported, but that of affect only supported in predicting intention. Affect and perceived BSE control were significant predictors of BSE intention while only perceived BSE control predicted BSE frequency significantly. Implications for intervention were discussed.