Evaluation of High School Females’ Cancer-preventive Behaviors Related to Perceived Barriers

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the high school females’ cancer-preventive behavior-based Health Beliefs Model relative to its components of perceived susceptibility in Dhi-Qar Governorate

Methodology:. A descriptive correlational design was used to guide this study. The research was conducted at a high school in Nasiriya City. The study included a probability simple random sample of 300 female students. The study instrument is constructed according to many previous studies relating to cancer preventive behaviors –based health belief model.

Results: Finding show participants characteristics, the mean age is 17.16 (±1.64), the age 16 years old were recorded the highest percentage (23.7%). In regards with the grade, most of participants were sixth grade (36%). Concerning family monthly income, female students expressed <300 Thousand Dinars (35%). In the end with the type of family, from the findings that the most of families from nuclear type (49%).

Conclusions: Cancer-preventive behaviours based Health Believes Model is not satisfactory among high school female students due to public awareness of breast cancer is still very poor.

Recommendations: These results highlight the importance of educating female students in schools and including an educational curriculum related to aspects of health prevention.