The Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Breast Cancer Screening Uptake, Knowledge, and Beliefs among Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

There have been various systematic reviews on the significance of educational interventions as necessary components to encourage breast cancer screening (BCS) and reduce the burden of breast cancer (BC). However, only a few studies have attempted to examine these educational interventions comprehensively. This review paper aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of various educational interventions in improving BCS uptake, knowledge, and beliefs among women in different parts of the world. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search on four electronic databases, specifically PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, was performed in May 2019. A total of 22 interventional studies were reviewed. Theory- and language-based multiple intervention strategies, which were mainly performed in community and healthcare settings, were the commonly shared characteristics of the educational interventions. Most of these studies on the effectiveness of interventions showed favorable outcomes in terms of the BCS uptake, knowledge, and beliefs among women. Educational interventions potentially increase BCS among women. The interpretation of the reported findings should be treated with caution due to the heterogeneity of the studies in terms of the characteristics of the participants, research designs, intervention strategies, and outcome measures.

The effect of a smartphone application on women’s performance and health beliefs about breast self-examination: a quasi-experimental study

“…Educational programs play a significant role in improvement of women knowledge, beliefs and practice in regard to breast cancer screening [ 14 ]. Trainings based on the scientific models and theories, according to their conceptual framework, provide a purposeful instrument for empowerment of the target population for promotion of individuals' control on their own health [ 14 , 15 ]. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is one of the most popular models used for prevention of diseases and identification of the effective factors in screening behaviors [ 14 , 16 ].…”

“…Trainings based on the scientific models and theories, according to their conceptual framework, provide a purposeful instrument for empowerment of the target population for promotion of individuals' control on their own health [ 14 , 15 ]. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is one of the most popular models used for prevention of diseases and identification of the effective factors in screening behaviors [ 14 , 16 ]. The model assumes that preventive behaviors are based on individuals' beliefs.…”

Determinants of Intention to Participate in Breast Cancer Screening among Urban Chinese Women: An Application of the Protection Motivation Theory

“…This model is one of the most widely used social cognition models to predict health behaviors and is founded on six fundamental constructs: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy [ 23 ]. Previous research has suggested that HBM-based educational interventions could help to improve knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer and, subsequently, to promote screening uptake among women [ 22 , 24 ]. However, this model has limitations in that it places narrowly defined determinants of behavior in a specific relationship to one another, completely isolated from social context [ 21 ].…”

A Qualitative Focus Group Study for the Exploration of Knowledge and Attitudes of Informal Caregivers Toward Breast Cancer: Perceptions of Informal Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals in Three European Countries

“…Therefore, providing programs that promote health literacy, focused on BC and the significance of screening methods, including BSE, could reduce concerns and motivate them to practice BSE in a systematic basis. 28 ‐ 30 The promotion of alternative, technology enhanced tools could facilitate the empowerment of women in such basis. 33 , 54 …”

“…Data from various research areas conclude that health literacy aiming interventions can shift perceptions of women toward BC screening. 28 ‐ 31 Technology derived interventions are feasible and provide a cost-effective method of early BC screening. 32 , 33 …”