Knowledge of breast self-examination and other determinants' relationship on the self rated health of elderly women

Abstract

This study examines whether the knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE) could be a significant contributor to elderly women's self-rated health. Additional variables were considered as potential influences on their self-rated health. This research used a quasi-experimental design and random selection to assign assisted living facilities to treatment and control groups. Participants in this study were women, age 75 years and older. All participants were gauged for breast cancer risk as a pretest measurement. Only the experimental group of older women received BSE instruction and then provided their self-rated health eight weeks later. BSE knowledge contributed statistically to the experimental elderly women's self-rated mental health scores. Instrumental activities of daily living were statistically significant for both groups at explaining variance in their physical health scores. This research study, although limited, points to the value of providing BSE to elderly women and its influence on their mental health.