Monireh Hamed Biabayani - MSc student in Consultation on Midwifery, Midwifery Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Mojgan Mirghafourvand - Associate Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh Charandabi - Associate Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

Background: Self-efficacy in patients with breast cancer leads to better coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment, improved mental image, and improved communication between patients and their health care providers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of counseling on the self-efficacy in mastectomized women. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 76 mastectomized women referred to the Breast Cancer Supportive Association and Shahid Ghazi Tabatabai hospital in Tabriz-Iran, 2017-18. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of counseling and control groups. For the intervention group, six 60-90-minute counseling sessions about health promotion and health promoting behaviors with emphasis on self-efficacy were presented. The general self-efficacy questionnaire was completed before and four weeks after intervention through interview with participants. Independent t and ANCOVA tests were used to analyze data. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and self-efficacy score before intervention (p> 0.05). Based on ANCOVA test with adjusting the baseline score in the four weeks after the intervention, the mean of perceived self-efficacy score in the counseling group was significantly higher than the control group [Adjusted mean difference =7.1; 95% Confidence Interval= 5.5 to 10.5) ; p <0.001]. Conclusions: Counseling can enhance perceived self-efficacy in mastectomized women. Therefore, considering the role of self-efficacy in promoting health of breast cancer patients, counseling is recommended as a complementary, effective and non-invasive intervention to improve self-efficacy in mastectomized women.

Self-efficacy; Counseling; Mastectomy; Breast cancer