PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to identify predicting factors of the performance of breast self-examination (BSE) among Korean middle-aged women based upon the Health Belief Model.
METHOD
A descriptive design was used for this study. A total of 309 convenience samples were recruited from Yonsu-Gu, Inchon. The Champion's Health Belief Model Scale was used to measure the health belief related variables of susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, confidence, and health motivation. The performance of BSE asked of it was as ever or never performed during the last year. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, x2-test, t-test, and logistic regression.
RESULT
Results showed that 32% had ever BSE last year. Age and BSE education among demographic characteristics were significantly associated with the performance of BSE. Thus, these demographic variables were added to the logistic regression analyses with the health belief variables. As a result, age, BSE education, health motivation, and confidence significantly explained the performance of BSE.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that it is important that the development of BSE educational programs increase confidence and motivation, particularly for middle aged-Korean women.

Currently, breast cancer ranks third among women's cancers, and as its incidence is increasing, the incidence age is also becoming lower. Therefore it is necessary to address breast cancer for women in their twenties. As there is no way presently to prevent breast cancer, it is imperative that women take available interventions against predisposing factors. It is thus advisable that women acquire the necessary skills to recognize their own health status. The purposes of this study were to identify the effects of education on breast self-examination (BSE) through supportive education among college women during the period from August 2000 to February 2001, and to attempt to design an effective BSE educational program. The first class was implemented through lectures, pamphlets, videotapes, breast palpation on cloths, demonstration and practice for identification of breast masses through palpation using breast model. Supportive education was implemented bimonthly to the experimental group, and effects of the education between experimental and control groups were compared 6 months later. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1. The effects on supportive education of college women in BSE 1) The mean score of retained knowledge about breast cancer and BSE was 30.88 in the experimental group, and 29.66 in the control group and significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (t= -2.062, p= 0.041). 2) Frequency of BSE practice was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group(X2=0.045, p=0,012). 3) The mean accuracy score in BSE practice was 19.10 in the experimental group, and 18.29 in the control group; accuracy was higher in the experimental group than in the control(t= -2.035, p= 0.444). 4) The mean score of self-efficacy was 35.05 in the experimental group, and 31.22 in the control group. The experimental group mean score was higher(t=-3.016, p=0.003). 2. There was a statistically significant correlation between self-efficacy and accuracy of BSE(r= 0.447, p=0.000), knowledge of breast cancer and BSE(r= 0.306, p=0.000) and frequency of BSE(r=0,259, p=0,002) but no significant correlation between knowledge of breast cancer and BSE and frequency of BSE (r=0.071, p=0.403). On the basis of this study, periodic supportive education can increase knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, frequency of BSE, accuracy of BSE and self-efficacy. Suggestions: 1. There is a need to compare the effects of individual programs to acquire BSE behaviors in the young. 2. Further research is needed to test the continuity of the effects of BSE education.

This study was undertaken to examine the degree of knowledge and compliance of breast self-examination with women. The subjects for this study were 474 women aged 35-65 receiving health examination from Yonsu-ku Public Health Service Center in Inchon. Data collection was conducted through the use of 2 questionnaires. Analysis of the data was done by used of descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study were as follows: 1. There were significant differences in the breast self-examination compliance rate according to age(F=5.82, p=.000), marital status(F=2.67, p=.047), educational level (F=5.83, p=.000) and household income (F=3.41, p=.018). 2. The correct answer rate for each items of breast self-examination knowledge scale was between 14.1% of a minimum rate and 65.0% for a maximum rate of 100. The degree of knowledge for relation of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination shows relatively low understanding. 3. The average score of breast self-examination was 1.34 from a maximum score of 6. The score of breast self-examination with palpation methods was higher than with inspection methods. 4. A positive correlation was found between breast self-examination knowledge and compliance rate (r=.417, p=.001). According to the results, it is necessary to provide knowledge of the relationship of breast cancer and menopause, the time of the highest occurance of breast cancer, and the best time of breast self-examination and inspection methods of breast self-examination. Also, it is necessary to provide detail guidance for inspection methods and develop a program for promoting the compliance of breast self-examination.