Study of Effectiveness of "Developing Local Women's Network" program for persuading of women aged 30 and over to participate in the National Breast cancer Screening program in the suburbs of Ardabil city

Abstract

Introduction:Women have the most important role in the Iranian family. they are caregivers of the family and breast cancer affects the family. The effect of subjective norms on cancer screening behavior has been proven. The aim of this study was to design and develop a local network to encourage women in Ardabil and using the theoretical approaches proposed in the theory of planned behavior to encourage women through abstract norms supporting breast cancer screening behaviors.

Methods:This study was an intervention study.First two separate region of subuebs selected , each region divided into four domains: north, south, east, west and then randomly a number of clusters selected and 426 people in two groups control(n=155) and intervention(n=271)were included in the study.The questionnaire was set in 8 part. The intervention was performed in women's local networks for one month and after three months of follow-up, information both groups were evaluated and their scores were compared.

Results: The frequency of breast self-examination, clinical examination and mammography before the intervention were in the intervention group 3.69%, 25.46% and 0%, respectively. results increased to 74.6 %, 61.9% and 15.6% after the intervention(p<0.001). All the Variable in this study was significant relation with screening brest cancer (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings showed the effectiveness of creating or developing a local network with increasing the impact of subjective norms, behavioral intention, perceived benefits, perceived social support in breast cancer screening behavior.

Keywords: subejctive norms, Perceived benefits, Perceived social support, Local area network, Neighborhood network