ABSTRACT

Identifying the factors influencing screening is necessary to promote early detection of breast cancer. This study aims to determine the predictive power of PEN-3 model structures in breast cancer screening behaviors among teachers of Isfahan city in Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 female teachers in Isfahan selected by the multi-stage random sampling method. A questionnaire based on PEN-3 model was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 (multiple linear regression analysis, independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient), and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean score of behavior, perceptual, enabling and nurturer factors in early detection of breast cancer was 36.5±30.5, 74.6±8.9, 65.5±19.9 and 68.1±20.7, respectively. The mean score of behavior in early detection of breast cancer in women with individual and familial history of breast disease was significantly higher than that of those who did not have such history. Perceptual and nurturer factors as the best predictors of screening behaviors were associated with screening behaviors.

The study results indicate that nurturer and perceptual factors were the best predictors of breast cancer screening behaviors among teachers. Therefore, attention to these constructs in developing educational interventions is highly recommended.