การรับรู้และพฤติกรรมการตรวจเต้านมด้วยตนเอง ของกำลังพลหญิงและสตรีในครอบครัวกำลังพลทหารบก

Supharanya Thepnimit; Patcharaporn Untaja

Authors

Supharanya Thepnimit The Royal Thai Army Nursing College
Patcharaporn Untaja The Royal Thai Army Nursing College

Keywords:

perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy, breast self-examination behaviours, female military personnel and female family members

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer amongst Thai women have been gradually increasing. Assessing perceptions and breast self-examination (BSE) behaviours can help guide awareness-building activities, reduce risk factors, and enhance the overall effectiveness of breast cancer prevention strategies.

Research objectives: To examine the levels of, and associations between, perceptions and BSE behaviours amongst female military personnel and female family member of military personnel.

Research methodology: This descriptive correlational study included 183 participants selected through stratified random sampling. The participants comprised female military personnel and their female family members, aged 20 to 60 years. Research instruments included: 1) a demographic data questionnaire, 2) a BSE perception questionnaire, and 3) a BSE behaviours questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: The perceived benefits of BSE, perceived self-efficacy, and BSE behaviours levels were moderate, while perceived barriers were low. The relationship with BSE behaviors, perceived benefits showed a weak positive correlation (r = .15, p < .05), perceived barriers showed a weak negative correlation (r = - .12, p < .05), and perceived self-efficacy demonstrated a fair positive correlation (r = .31, p < .01).

Conclusions: Enhancing awareness of the benefits of BSE and strengthening women's self-efficacy regarding the procedure can promote more accurate, regular, and sustained BSE practices.

Implications: Proactive, competency-building activities targeted towards female military personnel and female family members should be implemented to enhance self-efficacy and ensure that proper BSE behaviours becomes a regular part of their lives

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