BELIEFS ON BREAST CANCER AND PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS AMONG WOMEN IN KAZAKHSTAN: AN ONLINE SURVEY

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a major cause of female mortality and morbidity across the globe. Kazakhstan remains one of the most highly affected countries, despite breast cancer screenings such as mammography and ultrasound being made mandatory and promoted by the government. Aim: The study assessed the beliefs of women of Kazakhstan in breast cancer and preventive screenings and their associated factors. Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design using an online survey. The survey's first section comprises demographic variables. The second section uses the Modified Thai Version of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (MT-CHBMS), comprising 10 subscales with 64 items. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with the belief in breast cancer and screening. Results: This study identified low screening practices among participants. Last year, most of the participants did not perform breast self-examination (67.4%), had not undergone mammography (69.7%), or ultrasound (67.8%). Analysis of the Modified Thai Version of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (MT-CHBMS) showed Health motivation was the highest perceived subscale (M = 3.64). Although participants expressed strong beliefs in the benefits of mammography (M = 3.63) and breast self-examination (BSE) (M = 3.61), a low score for perceived susceptibility of breast cancer (M = 2.15) indicates the low personal sense of risk among respondents. Participants reported low self-efficacy in performing BSE (M = 2.83). The regression analysis implies that the belief model explained 23.4% of the variation in women’s breast cancer and screening beliefs (Adjusted R² = 0.234, p < .001). 8 out of 10 HBM subscales were significant predictors. Participants with a family history of breast cancer and those who had an ultrasound, had a higher perceived risk of breast cancer. Participants with regular gynecological exams reported lower perceived risk. Ethnic and socioeconomic factors influenced beliefs: while unemployed participants encountered more barriers to BSE, Uzbek women reported fewer perceived benefits of mammography and fewer barriers to BSE. Conclusion: This research studied existing beliefs about breast cancer and preventative screenings among women in Kazakhstan. An online survey found that beliefs can differ due to sociodemographic factors such as family income, screening history, and employment status.