The Association of Health Literacy with Breast Cancer Knowledge, Perception and Screening Behavior

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of breast cancer among Iranian women is increasing, and 70% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. The current study aimed at evaluating the association of health literacy (HL) with breast cancer knowledge, perception, and screening behavior in women.Materials and Methods: The current cross- sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 250 women who referred to health centers in Zahedan,Iran. Data collection instrument included a demographic information form, Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire (IHLQ), and Champion's healthbelief model scale.Results: The majority of participants (89.6%) had limited HL. Participants with limited HL had less breast cancer knowledge, and less perceivedseverity than who had higher HL score. Participants with higher HL score had done breast self-exam (BSE) more than the others. There was nosignificant relationship between HL and clinical breast examination (CBE), and with perceived susceptibility.Conclusion: Interventions to enhance breast cancer knowledge and screening should notice the HL of women.