Health Literacy and the Health Action Process Approach in Predicting Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the role of health literacy and the health action process approach in predicting the adoption of breast cancer screening behaviors among Iranian women. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was conducted on ۳۵۰ women aged ۳۰ to ۶۹ years who were served by comprehensive health centers in the city of Alborz, Qazvin Province, Iran, selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. The data collection tools included a demographic information form, questionnaires related to the constructs of the health action process approach, and a short version of the Health Literacy Measurement Scale for Iranian Adults. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version ۲۵ software using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for assessing data normality, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), and multiple regression analysis to predict screening behavior. Findings: The mean age of the participating women was ۴۴.۷۳±۱۰.۲۲ years. The average health literacy score was ۲۹.۵۴, indicating a low level of health literacy. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between health literacy and the performance of breast screening tests, such that women with higher education levels, spouses with higher education, a history of mammography and breast self-examination, better financial status, employment, and health insurance coverage had higher health literacy. The constructs of perceived risk, perceived barriers, and coping planning explained ۲۴% of the variance in screening behavior. Conclusion: The health action process approach enhances women’s participation in breast cancer screening.

Keywords:

Health Literacy , Breast Cancer , Screening , Health Action Process Approach , Women , Behavior