Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Background: Stage of Change and Health Belief Models are two the most common models
that have been applied in mammography screening behaviors. The purpose of this study was to
identify women in different stages of mammography adoption and to examine association between
women’s beliefs by stage of change among Iranian women. Methods: In this population-based
study, mammography screening behavior determined using the Rakoweski stage of change scale,
and women beliefs were determined by Farsi version of Champion’s Health Belief Model scale
(CHBMS). The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16.0) using statistical analysis
of variance and Chi-square tests that used to determine relation between socio-demographic
variables and HBM scales with stage of mammography. In all of the tests, a significant level
α=0.05 was considered. Results: According to stages of change distributions for mammography
screening behavior, 36.2% were in pre-contemplation, 21.1% in contemplation, 4.2% in action,
6.2% in maintenance, and 32.3% were in relapse stage. There were significant differences in
mammography stage by age, education, married status, family monthly income, husband job,
information about breast cancer, and history of breast problems. ANOVA test showed significant
differences by stages for all HBM scales, except to perceived severity. Conclusion: The findings
indicated that women in pre-contemplation, relapse, and contemplation stages are more likely need
to educational intervention, which emphasizes the benefits and barriers of mammography, health
motivation, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, examining individuals’ beliefs about breast cancer and
mammography screening by stage of mammography adoption is especially important in order
to development of effectiveness interventions, which targeted to stage of change and promote
mammography screening behavior.

Abstract Background: Sex ratio, an important social indicator measuring extent of prevailing equity
between males and females in society, is defined as number of females per 1000 males.
Changes in sex ratio reflect underlying socioeconomic, cultural patterns of a society. As
per 2011 census sex ratio in India is 914/1000 males, which continues to be significantly
adverse towards women. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge
and attitude regarding Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act among the pregnant
women at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai. Materials and Methods: A crosssectional study was carried out in the antenatal ward of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical
College and General Hospital, Mumbai during the period of January to April 2008. A total
of 143 women were included and a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used
to get information regarding socio-demographic details of the pregnant women. They were
asked regarding the knowledge and attitude towards the PNDT Act. Data was analyzed by
using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: In the present study,
out of 143 women, 105 (73.5%) knew about sex determination. Even out of those who
had heard, the correct knowledge regarding PNDT act was very less. Sonography as a
technique for sex determination done at private hospital was known to the majority of women.
Conclusion: Education of women about gender equality and recommendations under PNDT
act in order to improve declining sex ratio in our country must be done. Wide publicization
in the media of the Act must be scaled up.

Abstract Type 2 diabetes is one of the most life-threatening public health challenges in the world. It
causes a high disease burden including increased disability, reduced life expectancy and everincreasing costs of care in almost every country. The growing burden of diabetes along with
rapid cultural changes, aging population, increasing urbanization, changes in nutritional habits,
reduced physical activity, and improper lifestyle and behavior patterns would inexorably drive
increased health care costs and demands. Several models of education have been proposed
to reduce the complications of chronic diseases including diabetes. However, it is widely known
and acknowledged that adopting self-care and self-management behaviors play a fundamental
role in diabetes control and treatment.A non-systematic (narrative) search strategy was used to
collect necessary data. Several models of diabetes care such as compliance-based or curative
models exist. Neither the curative model nor the compliance/adherence model is rigorously
effective in diabetes care. The model of self-empowerment – based on the three fundamental
aspects of chronic illness care: choices, control, and consequences – is much more applicable
in the management of diabetes. This point to an approach which recognizes that patients are
responsible for their diabetes care. Self-empowerment model has the potential to place diabetes
care into context – a context which is based on active involvement of patients and informed,
proactive healthcare professionals in the process of care.