Jamei Z, Hosseini F, Mohammadi Zeidi I, Morshedi H. Health Literacy and the Health Action Process Approach in Predicting Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors. Health Educ Health Promot 2025; 13 (2) :227-233 URL: http://hehp.daneshafarand.org/article-4-79759-en.html
1- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
* Corresponding Author Address: Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Boulevard, Qazvin, Iran. Postal Code: 34197-59811 (hadimorshedi1961@gmail.com)
Abstract (1262 Views)
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 350 women aged 30 to 69 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 25 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 44.73±10.22 years. The average health literacy score was 29.54, 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 24% of the variance in screening behavior. Conclusion: The health action process approach enhances women’s participation in breast cancer screening.