Breast Cancer Health Beliefs and Perceived Barriers to Self-Examination Amongst Hindu Women in South Africa

Abstract

This study explored the breast cancer health beliefs and perceived barriers to breast self-examination of South African Hindu women. Participants were 68 Hindu women (mean age = 39.36 years SD=13.42) from two South African cities. They completed the Champion's Health Beliefs Model Scale. Data were analysed for differences across the women's demographics by beliefs scales and self-screening utilization. The results suggest that the women do not hold clear-cut beliefs about breast self-examination. Only 14.7% conduct monthly exams. Barriers to breast self-examination amongst Hindu women are associated with beliefs of low perception of susceptibility and uncertainty around the benefits of self-examination to minimising mortality or the need for surgical intervention.

Keywords:

• breast cancer
• Hinduism
• Health Beliefs Model
• benefits of breast self-examination
• barriers to breast self-examination