Busy lifestyles and mammography screening: time pressure and women's reattendance likelihood

Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Engagement in preventive healthcare services is crucial for preventing diseases. We explored how working hours are associated with engagement in preventive healthcare services, with a focus on gender differences.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2007-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The dependent variable was engagement in each of the five preventive healthcare services (health check-ups, influenza vaccination, and stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screenings). We estimated the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using robust Poisson regression.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 19,819 workers (9119 women). The adjusted PRs (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h per week and engagement in preventive healthcare services among men were 0.95 (0.90-1.00) for health check-ups, 0.86 (0.77-0.96) for influenza vaccination, and 0.95 (0.87-1.03) for stomach cancer screening compared to working 35-40 h per week. Among women, the adjusted PRs (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h per week and engagement in preventive healthcare services were 0.84 (0.78-0.91) for health check-ups, 0.82 (0.73-0.92) for influenza vaccination, and 0.88 (0.80-0.97) for stomach, 0.85 (0.78-0.94) for breast, and 0.82 (0.74-0.91) for cervical cancer screenings.

CONCLUSION

Long working hours were negatively associated with engagement in preventive healthcare services, and the association was pronounced among female workers. Efforts to promote preventive healthcare participation among individuals with long working hours are necessary, and it is essential to consider the unique vulnerabilities of women when developing such policies.

Perceived Deterrence Towards Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening among Northern Malaysia Population: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test results were found to have poor compliance for a subsequent colonoscopy procedure. This study was conducted to explore patients' perceived deterrence for colonoscopy following a positive stool test.

METHODS

Using qualitative study method, a phone interview was conducted with 16 patients to elicit their views on the reasons for failure to attend the colonoscopy procedure following a positive stool test. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated before proceeded with the data analysis. Content analysis was made on the translated interview, followed by systematic classification of data by major themes.

RESULTS

Reasons for nonattendance were categorized under five main themes; unnecessary test, fear of the procedure, logistic obstacles (subthemes; time constraint, transportation problem), social influences, and having other health priority. Lacking in information about the procedure during the referral process was identified to cause misperception and unnecessary worry towards colonoscopy. Fear of the procedure was commonly cited by female respondents while logistic issues pertaining to time constraint were raised by working respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

More effective communication between patients and health care providers are warranted to avoid misconception regarding colonoscopy procedure. Support from primary care doctors, customer-friendly appointment system, use of educational aids and better involvement from family members were among the strategies to increase colonoscopy compliance.

Early Detection and Screening for Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To review the history, current status, and future trends related to breast cancer screening.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed articles, web sites, and textbooks.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer remains a complex, heterogeneous disease. Serial screening with mammography is the most effective method to detect early stage disease and decrease mortality. Although politics and economics may inhibit organized mammography screening programs in many countries, the judicious use of proficient clinical and self-breast examination can also identify small tumors leading to reduced morbidity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oncology nurses have exciting opportunities to lead, facilitate, and advocate for delivery of high-quality screening services targeting individuals and communities. A practical approach is needed to translate the complexities and controversies surrounding breast cancer screening into improved care outcomes.

Association between individual and geographic factors and nonadherence to mammography screening guidelines

BACKGROUND

This study investigates factors that are associated with nonadherence to mammography screening guidelines in Utah, a state where mammography screening rates have remained consistently lower than national averages.

METHODS

We examined data on reported mammography use among women aged 40-74 years from the 2008 and 2010 Utah Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=5,197, weighted n=417,064). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of individual-level and geographic (travel time to nearest mammography facility, geographic accessibility, and rural/urban residence) factors on the odds of a woman not reporting receiving a mammogram in the last 2 years.

RESULTS

In 2008 and 2010, a disproportionate number of women aged 40-49 (43.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 39.9%-46.3%) reported not receiving a mammogram within the last 2 years compared to women 50-74 (26.8%, 95% CI 24.9%-28.7%). None of the geographic factors were significant predictors of screening adherence. Based on covariate adjusted models, statistically significant (p<0.05) factors associated with increased odds of not receiving mammogram within the last 2 years included not having a regular physician, no health insurance, being aged 40-49, income less than $25,000, and the presence of three or more children in the home.

CONCLUSION

Mammography screening efforts in Utah should focus on improving access to insurance or a regular source of health care. Future research should also consider how best to address extreme time demands and competing priorities that present potential barriers for women with large families, resulting in lower screening levels among these women.

Breast cancer-preventive behaviors: exploring Iranian women's experiences

Background

Breast cancer-preventive behaviors are critical for community and women’s health. Although many studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward breast cancer, little information is available about their experiences of breast cancer preventive behaviors. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian women regarding preventive behaviors.

Methods

This was a qualitative study. A sample of Iranian women aged 30 years and over was selected purposefully. Data collected through focus group and semi-structured audiotaped interviews and were analyzed by conventional content analysis.

Results

The following five main themes emerged from the analysis: attitude toward breast cancer and preventive behaviors, stress management, healthy lifestyle, perceived social support and individual/environmental barriers. The findings showed that women were highly motivated to preventive behaviors of breast cancer but faced considerable challenges.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that increased awareness, positive attitudes, stronger motivational factors, and fewer barriers toward preventive behaviors are most important parameters that might encourage women to practice breast cancer-preventive behaviors.