Predicting breast cancer screening behavior based on childhood and adolescent behavioral inhibition and risk perception in women over 20 years old

Background Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Behavioral inhibition and risk perception are two psychological factors that may influence screening behaviors. However, few studies have specifically examined the combined impact of behavioral inhibition and risk perception. This study aims to address this gap by elucidating the psychological barriers to breast cancer screening. Methods This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among women aged 20 and older in the city of Qom. Cluster sampling was employed, resulting in a sample of 315 participants. The standardized questionnaire was used consisted of four sections: demographic information, behavioral inhibition, breast cancer risk perception, and screening behavior. The tools used demonstrated adequate validity and reliability, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Statistical tests, including correlation coefficients and logistic regression, were utilized to explore the relationships among the variables. Results The mean age of the participants was 34.98 ± 9.41 years. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis indicated a significant relationship between behavior and components of behavioral inhibition (p < 0.001, r = 0.259) and risk perception (p = 0.033, r = -0.120). Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that both behavioral inhibition and risk perception could predict screening behavior (p < 0.05), with risk perception having a greater contribution to the prediction of behavior. Conclusion The present study indicates that behavioral inhibition acts as a barrier while risk perception serves as a facilitating factor, which can guide therapeutic and psychological interventions.