The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Breast Cancer Screening of Rural Women: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Background Early diagnosis of breast cancer is a key factor affecting patient survival, so screening can reduce the burden of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on breast cancer screening in rural women. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 480 women referring to the health care centers in the cities of Fasa and Shiraz were divided into two groups, intervention (n = 240) and control (n = 240), using cluster random sampling method, in 2021-2022. We randomly selected two health care centers in Shiraz and Fasa and invited them to participate in the study. The demographic information questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TPB were used to collect the data. The intervention included 50-minute sessions on topics such as breast cancer basics, screening methods, barriers to mammography, and the role of peer groups. Data were collected before and 4 months after the intervention. Results The results showed no difference between the two groups in awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and breast cancer screening performance before the intervention. Four months after the intervention, a significant increase was found in the intervention group in awareness (7.46 ± 1.50 to 18.54 ± 1.20), attitude (28.55 ± 4.62 to 58.69 ± 4.35), perceived behavioral control (22.52 ± 3.32 to 40.88 ± 3.84), and subjective norms (20.37 ± 3.34 to 21.99 ± 3.38). Instead, no significant difference in the mentioned constructs ( P < 0.05) was observed in the control group. Conclusion This study demonstrated that TPB-based education enhanced awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intention towards breast cancer screening. The TPB empowers women in rural communities to prioritize their health and seek timely breast cancer screening. Continued efforts and improved access to screening services are crucial for improved outcomes.