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Introducción: En Uruguay el cáncer de mama (CM) ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en mujeres. Objetivo: Evaluar el conocimiento de mujeres uruguayas sobre el tamizaje de cáncer de mama. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta dirigida a mujeres, que fue difundida mediante las redes sociales. El consentimiento informado se solicitó al inicio de la encuesta, como requisito excluyente para poder realizar la misma. Se mantuvo el anonimato de las pacientes en el análisis estadístico y se contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética del Hospital de Clínicas. Resultados: Participaron 1859 mujeres. El 75.1% (1396) de las encuestadas reconoce el CM como el de mayor mortalidad en mujeres. El 52% (967) cree que 3 de cada 10 mujeres tienen riesgo de desarrollar CM, y 18.4% (342) desconoce su prevalencia. El 60.2% (1119) reconoce a la mamografía como prueba que ha logrado disminuir la mortalidad por CM. El 64.2% (1193) cree que se realiza a partir de los 40 años. Sobre la frecuencia, el 60.5% (1125) considera que se realiza de forma anual. Los factores de riesgo para desarrollar CM mayormente considerados fueron tabaquismo (60.9%, 1132), obesidad (57.%, 1060) y sedentarismo (56.8%,1056). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados evidencian que las encuestadas están informadas de manera adecuada sobre la importancia del CM y de realizar el tamizaje mamográfico para prevenirlo; sin embargo, el 74.3% (1381) cree que el mismo, debe comenzar a hacerse a los 40 años.

Introduction: In Uruguay, breast cancer (BC) has the highest incidence and mortality of all cancer in women. Objectives : To assess the knowledge of Uruguayan women about breast cancer screening for the early detection of BC. Material and Methods : This is a descriptive and observational study. A survey was applied to woman, it was disseminated through social networks. Informed consent was requested at the beginning of the survey as an exclusive requirement to be able to carry it out. In the statistical analysis, the anonymity of the patients was maintained and the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Hospital de Clínicas was obtained. Results : 1859 women participated. 75.1% (1396) of those surveyed recognize BC as the one with the highest mortality in women. 52% (967) believe that 3 out of 10 women are at risk of developing BC, and 18.4% (342) do not know its prevalence. 60.2% (1119) recognize mammography as a test that has managed to reduce mortality from BC. 64.2% (1193) believe that it is done after 40 years of age. Regarding the frequency, 60.5% (1125) consider that it is carried out annually. The most considered risk factors for developing BC were smoking (60.9%, 1132), obesity (57%, 1.060) and sedentary lifestyle (56.8%, 1056). Conclusions : Our results show that the respondents are adequately informed about the importance of CM and the performance of screening mammography.

Introdução : No Uruguai, o câncer de mama (CM) tem a maior incidência e mortalidade de todos os cânceres em mulheres. Objetivos: Avaliar o conhecimento de mulheres uruguaias sobre o rastreamento do câncer de mama para a detecção precoce do CM. Material e Métodos : Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e observacional. Foi aplicado um questionário às mulheres, divulgado através das redes sociais. O consentimento informado foi solicitado no início da pesquisa como requisito exclusivo para poder realizá-la. Na análise estatística, foi mantido o anonimato dos pacientes e obtida a aprovação do Comitê de Ética do Hospital de Clínicas. Resultados: participaram 1859 mulheres. 75.1% (1396) dos pesquisados ​​reconhecem o CB como o de maior mortalidade em mulheres. 52% (967) acreditam que 3 em cada 10 mulheres estão em risco de desenvolver CM e 18.4% (342) não conhecem sua prevalência. 60.2% (1119) reconhecem a mamografia como um exame que tem conseguido reduzir a mortalidade por CM. 64.2% (1.193) acreditam que é feito após os 40 anos. Em relação à frequência, 60.5% (1125) consideram que é realizado anualmente. Os fatores de risco mais considerados para desenvolver CM foram tabagismo (60.9%, 1132), obesidade (57%, 1.060) e sedentarismo (56.8%, 1056). Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostram que as entrevistadas estão adequadamente informadas sobre a importância do MC e a realização da mamografia de rastreamento.

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BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing in North-Eastern Brazil and the patients with the disease often presented at advanced stages. The present study was focused on identifying variables that affect women's frequency of breast self- examination (BSE) performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on BSE, socio-economic parameters and risk factors for breast cancer were obtained from 417 women from a community in North-Eastern Brazil by a self-informant method. To identify independent variables that affect frequency of BSE, nominal logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 417 women, 330 (79.3%) reported performing BSE. Compared to high-income women, BSE performance by low-income women every month was 7.69 (OD=0.130; CI 95%: 0.044- 0.0386; p=0.000) times lower. Women who did not live in a stable union performed BSE each month 2.73 (OD=0.366; CI 95%: 0.171-0.782; p=0.010) less often than those living in a stable union. BSE performance every month and every six months or every year by women with poor knowledge about risk factors for breast cancer was 3.195 (OD=0.313; CI 95%: 0.141- 0.695; p=0.004) times and 2.028 (OD=0.493; CI 95%: 0.248- 0.979; p=0.043) times lower, compared to women with good knowledge. Participants who had a close relative with cancer performed BSE every month and every six months or every year 2.132 (OD=0.469; CI 95%: 0.220-0.997; p=0.049) times and 2.337 (OD=0.428; CI 95%: 0.219-0.836; p=0.013) times less often, compared to those women without close relatives with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that income, marital status, knowledge about risk factors and having a close relative with breast cancer, affect the frequency of BSE performance. Information about risk factors in public health campaigns could additionally strengthen avoidance behaviour and also motivate BSE performance.

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OBJECTIVE: To establish the proportion of women of 40 years-old and more, which perform properly breast self-examination in the Family Medical Unit 18 of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social from Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico, in 2011. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a universe of 1457 women. A random sample of 127 women was obtained and aleatorily selected. Socio-demographic and hereditary variables were included and breast self-examination technique was evaluated. The information was taken from clinical files and check lists. Descriptive statistic was obtained. RESULTS: The mean age was 52.7 ± 9.3, with a confidence interval of 40-80 years-old. Women with a primary-school education were the largest group, representing 35.4 %. Family antecedent of breast malign tumor was found in 11 %. The mother was the most frequent parent with this background (42.9 %). Adequate breast self-examination technique was observed in 0.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of women that performs breast self-examination properly is very low. Associated factors were not found. Educative interventions are required in order to correct this problem.

Objetivo: determinar la proporción de mujeres de 40 años o más que se realizan correctamente autoexploración mamaria en la Unidad Médica Familiar 18 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, en Teapa, Tabasco, México, en el año 2011. Métodos: estudio transversal, de un universo de 1457 mujeres del que se obtuvo una muestra probabilística de 127, seleccionadas sistematizadamente. Se incluyeron variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes heredofamiliares de cáncer de mama y la evaluación de la técnica de autoexploración. La información fue obtenida de expedientes clínicos y listas de cotejo. Se obtuvo estadística descriptiva. Resultados: La edad media fue de 52.7 ± 9.3 con un intervalo de confianza de 40-80 años. La escolaridad predominante fue la primaria con 35.4 %. Hubo antecedente heredofamiliar de tumor maligno de las mamas en 11 %. La madre fue el familiar más frecuente con este antecedente (42.9 %). Hubo una correcta autoexploración mamaria en 0.8 %. Conclusiones: la proporción de mujeres que realizan correctamente la autoexploración mamaria es alarmantemente baja. No se encontraron factores asociados. Se requieren intervenciones educativas para corregir el problema.

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OBJECTIVE: Identify the characteristics associated with correct utilization of self examination (SE), clinical exam (CE) and mammography (MA) for breast cancer (BC) early detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews were undertaken with 1 030 Mexican women (n=1 030), 20 to 88 years of age, regarding their reproductive and sociodemographic characteristics. An index of correct utilization was constructed based on the form and frequency practice of those techniques. RESULTS: The prevalence of correct utilization of SE was 11% and 5.4% for CE. Further, 7.6% of women 40-49 years of age with 2 or more BC risk factors had MA during the two years prior to the interview, and for 31.6% among women ≥50 years of age the MA was annually. The main determinant of MA utilization was having financial protection from either IMSS, ISSSTE or Seguro Popular. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to improve the correct utilization of BC detection techniques in Mexico.

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The aim of this article is to identify factors affecting access to breast cancer screening in Mexico according to the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, using three nationally-representative surveys. Descriptive statistics were performed and multiple classification analysis techniques were used. The dependent variables were that the women had realized: 1) breast self-examination, 2) clinical breast examination, or 3) mammography; the covariates were: age group, education level, type of locality (urban/rural), marital status, number of children, enrollment in social security and socioeconomic status. A low level of screening use was detected and gaps were observed between different groups of women according to sociodemographic characteristics. In general women of lower economic strata, without enrollment in social security and with lower educational levels, showed fewer detection practices than the national average.

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El objetivo de este artículo es identificar los factores que explican el acceso a la detección del cáncer de mama en México en función de las características sociodemográficas de las mujeres, de acuerdo con tres encuestas representativas en el ámbito nacional. Se realizaron estadísticas descriptivas y se emplearon técnicas de análisis de clasificación múltiple. Las variables dependientes fueron que las mujeres se hubieran realizado: 1) la autoexploración, 2) el examen clínico de mamas, o 3) la mamografía; las covariables fueron: grupos de edad, escolaridad, tipo de localidad (urbana/rural), estado conyugal, número de hijos, derechohabiencia y estrato socioeconómico. Se encontró una cobertura de detección baja y se observaron brechas entre distintos grupos femeninos según las características sociodemográficas. Por lo general, las mujeres de estratos económicos más bajos, sin derechohabiencia y con menores niveles educativos, registraron prácticas de detección inferiores a la media nacional.(AU)

The aim of this article is to identify factors affecting access to breast cancer screening in Mexico according to the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, using three nationally-representative surveys. Descriptive statistics were performed and multiple classification analysis techniques were used. The dependent variables were that the women had realized: 1) breast self-examination, 2) clinical breast examination, or 3) mammography; the covariates were: age group, education level, type of locality (urban/rural), marital status, number of children, enrollment in social security and socioeconomic status. A low level of screening use was detected and gaps were observed between different groups of women according to sociodemographic characteristics. In general women of lower economic strata, without enrollment in social security and with lower educational levels, showed fewer detection practices than the national average.(AU)

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The aim of this article is to identify factors affecting access to breast cancer screening in Mexico according to the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, using three nationally-representative surveys. Descriptive statistics were performed and multiple classification analysis techniques were used. The dependent variables were that the women had realized: 1) breast self-examination, 2) clinical breast examination, or 3) mammography; the covariates were: age group, education level, type of locality (urban/rural), marital status, number of children, enrollment in social security and socioeconomic status. A low level of screening use was detected and gaps were observed between different groups of women according to sociodemographic characteristics. In general women of lower economic strata, without enrollment in social security and with lower educational levels, showed fewer detection practices than the national average.

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This study analyzed the prevalence of secondary breast cancer prevention and associated factors in women 40 to 69 years of age in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. Prevalence was 64.5% for breast self-examination, 71.5% for clinical examination, and 79% for mammography. The data suggest that age, schooling, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and prior hormone replacement therapy influenced the rates of the three types of examination. Preventive practices were significantly more common among women of higher socioeconomic status. Proper orientation and performance of preventive measures and tests should be at the reach of all women in the highest-risk age bracket, thereby decreasing late diagnosis and avoidable deaths and increasing the odds of curing breast cancer.

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Este estudo analisou a prevalência e os fatores associados à realização da prevenção secundária do câncer de mama em mulheres de 40-69 anos do Município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório de corte transversal, tipo inquérito populacional, no Município de Maringá. A prevalência observada de realização do autoexame das mamas foi de 64,5 por cento, do exame clínico das mamas, 71,5 por cento, e de mamografia, 79 por cento. Os fatores que influenciaram na realização dessas ações foram: idade, escolaridade, raça, classe econômica, religião e realização de terapia hormonal. A classe econômica e a escolaridade influenciaram significativamente na realização das práticas preventivas, ou seja, quanto maior o nível socioeconômico, maior a realização. A orientação e realização das práticas preventivas devem estar ao alcance de todas as mulheres na faixa etária de maior risco, diminuindo, dessa maneira, o diagnóstico tardio e mortes desnecessárias e aumentando as chances de cura do câncer de mama.

This study analyzed the prevalence of secondary breast cancer prevention and associated factors in women 40 to 69 years of age in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. Prevalence was 64.5 percent for breast self-examination, 71.5 percent for clinical examination, and 79 percent for mammography. The data suggest that age, schooling, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and prior hormone replacement therapy influenced the rates of the three types of examination. Preventive practices were significantly more common among women of higher socioeconomic status. Proper orientation and performance of preventive measures and tests should be at the reach of all women in the highest-risk age bracket, thereby decreasing late diagnosis and avoidable deaths and increasing the odds of curing breast cancer.

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To verify the practice and to identify the meaning of the breast self examination among women with cancer and were submitted to the chemotherapy were objectives of this work. It was a qualitative research, using the speech of the women who are breast cancer carriers in the Hospital das Clínicas of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil through semi-structured interviews. The collected material was submitted to the analysis of the simplified content proposed by Thiollent. The interviewees owned knowledge on the existence and Importance of breast self examination, however, many did not practice it correctly or ignored the periodicity and technic indicated, there being, this way, need to develop effective interventions to promote the understanding of the feminine population concerning the importance in adopting practices aimed at the precocious diagnosis of the mammary cancer.

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Most breast tumors are detected by women, not health professionals, therefore breast self-examination (BSE) continues to be an efficacious strategy. The study objective was to analyze BSE performed by nursing professionals and factors that hinder their perseverance in this practice. This descriptive study was performed with 159 professionals: 40 nurses, 48 nurses aides, and 71 health agents from 19 Basic Health Units located in Fortaleza (Ceará, Brazil). Data collection was performed using a self-administered questionnaire, and the analysis was based on the Self Care Theory. Of the 159 professionals, 86 (54%) performed BSE on a monthly basis. Of the 73 professionals who did not perform BSE, 60 (82%) reported the reason for that was forgetting, 38 (52%) for not trusting the technique/did not know the correct technique, and 35 (48%) due to lack of health care. It was found that although most women reported performing BSE, the professionals felt insecure and would like to learn better about this technique.

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Avaliar o conhecimento e a prática do auto-exame das mamas (AEM) em uma população do litoral do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como a prevalência e a associação de fatores sociodemográficos. Métodos: Agentes de saúde ligados ao Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) convidaram mulheres com mais de 20 anos a fazerem avaliação clínica das mamas nos postos de saúde do município e aplicaram um questionário semi-estruturado. As variáveis estudadas foram idade, escolaridade, estado civil, renda familiar e história familiar de câncer de mama. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 728 mulheres atendidas no PSF. Observou-se que 97% das mulheres conheciam o AEM e 82,1% destas o praticavam. Ao avaliar a freqüência, entre as 592 que faziam o AEM, a realização mensal (correta) era feita por apenas 207 mulheres, 28% da amostra populacional. As variáveis que se apresentaram estatisticamente associadas com a prática do auto-exame mensal foram idade (p < 0,001) e o grau de escolaridade (p < 0,02). As associações com estado civil, cor, renda e história familiar positiva para câncer de mama não foram estatisticamente significantes. Conclusão: A prática e a freqüência do auto-exame das mamas na população estudada foram inadequadas, pois apenas 28% praticavam-no corretamente. A aderência esteve relacionada à maior idade e ao maior grau de escolaridade. Perspectivas: educar usando a denominação de autoconhecimento das mamas, porque exame tem conotação médica.

Objectives: In order to evaluate the knowledge and the pratice of the breast self examination (BSE) in a low income population from the north shore of the estate of Rio Grande do Sul, as well to report the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associations. Methods: Public health employees from the Health Family Program invited women over 20 years of age for a breast clinical examination at a community clinic. They were submitted to semi-structured questionaire about factors potentially associated to the knowledge and pratice of BSE. Current age, marital status, education level, family income and breast cancer history of close relatives were collected and reported. Results: 728 women were included in the study. About 97% of women had knowledge of the BSE and 82,1% of them referred a regular practice. Among the 592 that referred the practice of BSE, anly 207 (28% of the sample) did it monthly. The variables that were statistically associated with monthly BSE were: current age (p < 0.001) and educational level (p < 0.02). Marital status, family income and breast cancer history of close relatives did not generated statistical significant values. Conclusion: The practice and frequency of the BSE was inadequate in the study population although most of them reported knowing BSE, only 28% use to perform it correctly. Women with higher educational level and old age were more adherent to the BSE practice.

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OBJECTIVE: To ascertain frequency of women in a hospital sample in Goiânia, Brazil, who know about and carry out breast-self examination (BSE) as well as the factors associated to knowledge and practice of this diagnostic method. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out aiming to identify factors potentially associated to BSE in a sample of 2,073 women. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire of age, education level, origin, parity, civil status, income and breastfeeding antecedents of the women. RESULTS: 75% of women knew about BSE and 51% practiced it. A multivariate analysis yielded the following odds ratios: BSE knowledge was 4.2 times higher among housewives than women working away from home; 2.1 times higher among those aged 30 years or older; 2.1 times higher in those with 5 years or more of schooling, 1.98 times higher among those living in the Greater Goiânia Region, 1.4 times higher among those with 2 children or more, and 1.68 times higher among those with an income above 2 minimum wages. In relation to BSE practice, it was 1.7 times more frequent among housewives and among those 30 year or older, 1.8 times more frequent among those with more years of schooling and 1.2 more frequent among women with an income above 2 minimum wages. CONCLUSION: The majority of women knew about BSE, and half of them, practiced it. Less knowledge and less frequent practice of BSE was more often detected in poorer women, those with less health information and awareness about the usefulness of this method for early breast cancer detection.

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OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados ao conhecimento e prática do auto-exame das mamas (AEM) em amostra hospitalar de Goiânia. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo descritivo sobre os fatores potencialmente associados ao conhecimento e prática do AEM numa coorte de 2073 pacientes. Usou-se entrevista estruturada, sendo as variáveis estudadas: idade, escolaridade, procedência, paridade, estado civil, renda familiar e amamentação. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 75 por cento das mulheres conheciam e 51 por cento praticavam o AEM. Análise multivariada permitiu a obtenção das seguintes razões de chance: conhecimento do AEM entre donas de casa foi 4,2 vezes maior que entre as que trabalham fora; 2,1 vezes maior entre as acima de 30 anos; 2,1 vezes maior entre as com cinco ou mais anos de escolaridade; 1,98 vez maior entre as originárias da Grande Goiânia; 1,4 vez maior entre as com dois ou mais filhos; 1,68 vez maior entres aquelas com renda maior que dois salários mínimos. Em relação à realização do AEM, esta foi 1,7 vez mais freqüente nas donas de casa; 1,7 vez mais relatada nas maiores de 30 anos; 1,8 vez mais entre as originárias da Grande Goiânia; 1,8 vez mais freqüente naquelas com maior escolaridade; e 1,2 vez mais nas mulheres com renda superior a dois salários mínimos. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das pacientes refere conhecer o auto-exame, e metade menciona praticá-lo. As camadas da população mais carentes de informação e conscientização sobre a importância dessa técnica na detecção precoce do câncer de mama apresentam alta taxa de desconhecimento e não o praticam.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain frequency of women in a hospital sample in Goiânia, Brazil, who know about and carry out breast-self examination (BSE) as well as the factors associated to knowledge and practice of this diagnostic method. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out aiming to identify factors potentially associated to BSE in a sample of 2,073 women. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire of age, education level, origin, parity, civil status, income and breastfeeding antecedents of the women. RESULTS: 75 percent of women knew about BSE and 51 percent practiced it. A multivariate analysis yielded the following odds ratios: BSE knowledge was 4.2 times higher among housewives than women working away from home; 2.1 times higher among those aged 30 years or older; 2.1 times higher in those with 5 years or more of schooling, 1.98 times higher among those living in the Greater Goiânia Region, 1.4 times higher among those with 2 children or more, and 1.68 times higher among those with an income above 2 minimum wages. In relation to BSE practice, it was 1.7 times more frequent among housewives and among those 30 year or older, 1.8 times more frequent among those with more years of schooling and 1.2 more frequent among women with an income above 2 minimum wages. CONCLUSION: The majority of women knew about BSE, and half of them, practiced it. Less knowledge and less frequent practice of BSE was more often detected in poorer women, those with less health information and awareness about the usefulness of this method for early breast cancer detection.

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Mexican American women in rural areas have less chance of surviving breast cancer than women in other ethnic populations (Boughton, 2000; Herman, 1996). This research sought to determine why such women do or do not enact behaviors to help them protect themselves from breast cancer. The extended parallel process model (Witte, 1994) provided a guiding theoretical basis for understanding perceptions, and 48 women, in discussion groups and surveys, were asked about self-exams, physician exams, and mammograms. Findings demonstrated that the women had high perceived self-efficacy and susceptibility regarding breast cancer but did not perceive it as severe (i.e., that it could cause death). These perceptions were positively and negatively related to behaviors that protect against breast cancer. Also, several barriers, such as lack of transportation, lack of access to health care, and lack of knowledge regarding breast self-exams, were found.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of secondary prevention of breast cancer and associated factors. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Pelotas, southeastern Brazil, in 2002. The study sample comprised 879 women aged 40 to 69 years. Information was collected on demographic, social, economic, behavioral, biological and care management variables. Statistical analysis based on Poisson regression model was carried out. RESULTS: The prevalence of breast self-examination (BSE) was 83.5% (95% CI: 80.9-85.9). Of them, 80.4% (95% CI: 77.3-83.2) carried out BSE at least once a month. The prevalence of clinical breast examination was 83.3% (95% CI: 80.6-85.7). Mammography was occasionally performed in 70% (95% CI: 66.8-73.0) of the sample. Of these women, 83.7% (95% CI: 80.5-86.6) underwent mammography at least once in the last two years. Sixty-two percent (95% CI: 58.7-65.2) of the women interviewed attended a gynecological visit at least once in the last year. The factors mainly associated to the high prevalence of secondary prevention of breast cancer were: higher social status; greater association of risk factors for breast cancer; family history of breast cancer; hormone replacement therapy and previous breast biopsy or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures for breast cancer have been widely taken in the study sample; however, data points out to some limitations related to efficacy. Social and economic status seems to be a major determinant to gynecological care access and, consequently, access to secondary prevention of breast cancer.

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The authors investigated the association between the reported frequency of breast self-examination and five dimensions of social support (material, emotional, affective, information, and positive social interaction) among 2,240 female employees from a university in Rio de Janeiro who were participants in Phase 1 of a cohort study (Pró-Saúde Study). Data were collected through a multidimensional self-administered questionnaire. Among participants, 43% reported doing breast self-examination "every month", or "almost every month"; 24% informed they seldom or never practiced self-examination. Participants with the highest scores in the five dimensions of social support reported higher frequency of breast self-examination. In all dimensions, the odds of practicing self-examination were approximately twice as high among women in the upper tertile of social support scores and about 50% higher among those in the intermediate tertile, as compared to those in the lower tertile of the scores (linear trend test, p < 0.001). The results' consistency suggests that several dimensions of social support can contribute positively to the regular practice of health-related self-care.

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Os programas de screening de câncer de mama representam uma estratégia efetiva para a redução de sua incidência e mortalidade. Nas últimas décadas, a importância das relações sociais na preservação da saúde vem sendo amplamente discutida, principalmente nos países desenvolvidos. Nesse contexto, inúmeros estudos epidemiológicos têm investigado a influência de características do ambiente psicossocial no risco de adoecer e de morrer, nos comportamentos relacionados à saúde e na utilização de serviços. Dentre essas características, destaca-se o conceito de apoio social que, no caso desse estudo, envolve as dimensões de apoio material, afetivo, emocional, de informação e interação positiva. O objetivo dessa investigação foi identificar associação entre a prevalência da prática do auto-exame das mamas e cinco diferentes dimensões de apoio social, entre as funcionárias de uma universidade no Rio de Janeiro. As perguntas relativas ao apoio social e a freqüência do AEM foram incluídas em um questionário estruturado auto-preenchido, na primeira etapa de coleta de dados de um estudo de coorte, com 4030 funcionários técnico-administrativos (sendo 2240 mulheres). A freqüência da prática relatada de AEM foi particularmente elevada entre as funcionárias do hospital universitário. Considerando-se o conjunto das funcionárias, a maior parcela (43%) informou realizar AEM “todo mês” ou “quase todo mês” e 24% informaram praticá-lo “raramente” ou “nunca”. A confiabilidade teste-reteste dessa informação foi alta: coeficiente kappa = 0,82 (IC95%:0,74-0,89). As respostas às perguntas que constituíram cada uma das cinco dimensões de apoio social compuseram escores, cuja distribuição apresentou concentração nos valores mais altos (médias próximas a 80 pontos). Mesmo assim, foi possível discriminar subgrupos que apresentavam diferentes prevalências da prática de AEM segundo tercis dos escores de apoio social. A prevalência da prática referida de AEM variou de forma direta com o nível dos cinco escores das dimensões de apoio social. Em cada dimensão, a chance de praticar AEM foi duas vezes maior entre as funcionárias situadas no tercil mais alto de apoio, comparadas às funcionárias situadas no tercil mais baixo. Tendo o mesmo grupo de referência, as funcionárias situadas no nível intermediário dos escores (2º tercil) apresentaram chance 50% maior de praticar AEM.A consistência dos resultados encontrados nas cinco dimensões permite concluir que níveis diferenciados de apoio social podem influenciar práticas de cuidados com a saúde como o AEM.

Screening programs represent an effective strategy for reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality. In recent decades, the importance of social relations in the preservation of health has been widely discussed, especially in developed countries. Within this context, numerous epidemiological studies have focused on the influence of characteristics of the psychosocial environment on the risk of becoming ill and dying, on health-related behaviors, and on the utilization of health services. One of the most important of such characteristics is the concept of social support, which in the case of this study involves material, affective, and emotional support as well as information and positive interaction. The objective of this study was to identify an association between the prevalence of breast self-examination (BSE) and five different dimensions of social support among employees at a university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Questions pertaining to social support and frequency of BSE were included in a structured, self-applied questionnaire during the first stage of data collection in a cohort study with 4,030 technical and administrative employees (2,240 of whom are women). Frequency of self-reported BSE was particularly high among university hospital employees. Among female employees as a whole, the largest proportion (43%) reported performing BSE “every month” or “almost every month”, while 24% reported performing it “rarely” or “never”. Test-retest reliability for this information was high: kappa coefficient = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74-0.89). Answers to questions constituting each of the five dimensions of social support comprised scores, whose distribution was concentrated on higher values (mean values close to 80 points). Even so, it was possible to distinguish sub-groups with different BSE prevalence rates according to social support score tertiles. Prevalence of self-reported BSE varied directly with the level of the five scores for social support dimensions. For each dimension, probability of performing BSE was twice as great among employees in the highest support tertile as compared to employees in the lowest tertile. Having the same reference group, employees in the intermediate score level (second tertile) had a 50% greater probability of performing BSE. onsistency of results in the five dimensions allows one to conclude that different levels of social support can influence health care practices such as BSE.

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RESUMEN

A mamografia é o método diagnóstico mais utilizado, atualmente, na detecção precoce do câncer de mama. O estudo teve como objetivos: caracterizar as mulheres que se submetem a mamografia quanto aos dados de identificação, motivos da realização do exame e sentimentos vividos antes do exame;identificar as necessidades de informação das mulheres sobre o exame para detecção precoce do câncer de mama e orienta-las para o autocuidado. Foi realizado durante o mês de outubro de 2002, com 60 mulheres que se submeteram a mamografia no Serviço de Imagenologia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Sobral. Os dados foram coletados com o uso de uma entrevista dirigida, e organizados em duas categorias a partir de dados quantitativos: caracterização das mulheres do estudo e motivos e sentimentos relacionados ao exame mamográfico. ...

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