Relationship between Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle and Perception of Breast Cancer among Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between awareness of healthy lifestyle and breast cancer perception among women of reproductive age. Methods: This descriptive co relational study was conducted on 642 women. Data were collected using the socio-demographic data form, the Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Scale (HLAS), and the Breast Cancer Perception Scale (BCPS). A moderate, significant, and positive correlation was found between the HLAS total score and the scores obtained from the BCPS sub-dimensions of perceived knowledge and perceived treatment belief. Results: The regression analysis on the relationship between the scores of HLAS’s change sub-dimension and BCPS sub-dimensions showed that as the scores of perceived knowledge and perceived treatment belief sub-dimensions increased, the change scores increased significantly. The explanatory value of these findings was 27.1%. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that women with advantages of high educational and economic levels, an income-generating job, and working in urban areas have higher perceived knowledge and treatment belief levels and low levels of fear with regard to breast cancer.