An Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model for Improving Breast Self – Examination behavior Among Rural Women in Hai Duong, Vietnam: A random Control Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention on breast self-examination (BES) behavior based on a Health Belief Model among Vietnamese women living in some rural areas of Hai Duong province. Methodology: A random control trial study was conducted in two rural communes in Hai Duong province, Vietnam. Among 204 women participating in the study, they were allocated randomly into an experimental group (n=99) and a control group (n=105). An educational intervention was developed based on the Health Belief Model. An improving breast self-examination behavior of participants was assessed through doing BSE or not, frequency of BSE, and how to perform BSE. Findings: At baseline, there were no differences between the two groups about general characteristics and breast self-examination percentage.  After 3 months of the intervention, breast self-examination behavior including the rate of patients doing BSE, frequency of BSE, and performing BSE with good results in the intervention group were higher than those of the control group. (p<0.05). Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Research results indicated that an educational program based on the Health Belief Model can improve breast self-examination behavior among rural women. Therefore, the educational intervention program based on the Health Belief Model should be expanded to women living in other rural areas of Vietnam.