Health beliefs and breast self-examination practices among female health science students in Hungary: a health belief model perspective.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns for women worldwide, while methods promoting early detection, such as breast self-examination (BSE), are still insufficiently integrated into preventive practices. The aim of this study was to explore health beliefs related to BSE and the factors influencing them among female students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pécs, using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 251 students, who assessed perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and health motivation regarding BSE using the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHMBS).

RESULTS

The study found that 50.2% of students performed BSE regularly, 41.8% occasionally, and 8% never. A family history of breast cancer, especially cases in-volving grandmothers, was significantly associated with the practice of breast self-examination (χ2 = 4.437, p = 0.035). Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor (OR = 1.67; p < 0.001), while perceived barriers (OR = 0.68; p = 0.012), perceived severity (OR = 1.32; p = 0.003), and BSE knowledge (OR = 1.23; p = 0.035) also influenced engagement. Students with higher self-efficacy (χ2 = 12.875, p = 0.012) and better knowledge of breast cancer prevention were more likely to practice BSE. Information from gynecologists and family played a crucial role in BSE adherence.

CONCLUSION

This study offers a new perspective for professionals by emphasizing the need for targeted health education programs that focus on strengthening self-efficacy and reducing perceived barriers. Our findings are of significant public health importance, as they support the integration of structured BSE education into university curricula, thereby fostering the development of health-conscious behaviors that promote early detection among young women.