Graduation Term

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Sociology and Anthropology: Sociology

Committee Chair

Winfred Avogo

Abstract

Breast Cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Early detection is key to combating the disease. Despite the U.S. having one of the highest BC rates globally, there is limited research on awareness of BC risk factors and willingness to undergo screening among university students, faculty, and staff. Drawing on the constructs of the Health Belief Model, this study assesses the knowledge and predictors of BC screening behaviors among female graduate students, faculty, and staff at a U.S. Midwestern University. This group is particularly important as BC risks increase with age. Understanding their perceptions of BC susceptibility, benefits, and risks is essential for identifying health behavior determinants and developing interventions to reduce BC risks as this younger population ages and to decrease mortality through early detection. This study used a quantitative approach to draw a convenience sample size of 422 respondents. An online survey collected data using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge of risk factors, screening barriers, and willingness to undergo screening. Data analysis employed descriptive and multivariate statistics. The findings showed that higher educational attainment is linked to greater BC knowledge. Faculty and staff demonstrated higher knowledge levels than graduate students, even when accounting for other sociodemographic factors. Surprisingly, the analysis found no significant differences in the perception of screening costs or willingness to undergo mammograms based on income. This suggests that perceived screening barriers may be more universally complex rather than solely influenced by socioeconomic status. Based on these findings, implementing BC education based on the health belief model at different life stages is crucial. Targeting educational disparities, addressing the unique needs of different staff categories, and considering broader sociocultural determinants can help public health interventions develop more equitable and effective strategies to reduce the BC burden within this university population and beyond.

KEYWORDS: Breast Cancer; risk factors; Health Belief Model; Early Detection; Screening.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240827063557958694.999966

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