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Chan TKC, Tan LWL, van Dam RM, Seow WJ. Cancer Screening Knowledge and Behavior in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population: The Singapore Community Health Study. Front Oncol 2021; 11:684917. [PMID: 34476210 PMCID: PMC8406849 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.684917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer has become the leading cause of mortality in Singapore and among other Asian populations worldwide. Despite the presence of National Cancer Screening programmes in Singapore, less than half of the population has had timely screening according to guidelines. The underlying factors of poor cancer screening rates and health outcomes among Asian ethnic groups remain poorly understood. We therefore examined cancer screening participation rates and screening behavior in a multi-ethnic Singapore population. Methods We collected data from 7,125 respondents of the 2015–2016 Singapore Community Health Study. Factors associated with cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening were evaluated using modified Poisson regression. Adjusted prevalence ratios were computed with 95% confidence intervals after adjusting for confounders. Results The mean age of the respondents was 57.7 ± 10.9 years; 58.9% were female and were predominately Chinese (73.0%), followed by Malay (14.2%), and Indian (10.9%). Less than half of the respondents in the recommended age groups had undergone cancer screening (cervical, 43%; breast, 35.1%; colorectal, 27.3%). Malay respondents were significantly less likely to screen as recommended for cervical (aPR = 0.75, CI = 0.65–0.86, p < 0.001), breast (aPR = 0.83, CI = 0.68–0.99, p = 0.045), and colorectal cancer (aPR = 0.55, CI = 0.44–0.68, p < 0.001), as compared to Chinese respondents. Respondents who had obtained lower secondary level education were 42% more likely to screen for cervical cancer (aPR = 1.42, CI = 1.23–1.64, p < 0.001), and 22% more likely to screen for breast cancer (aPR = 1.22, CI = 1.02–1.46, p = 0.032), compared to those with primary level education and below. Respondents with a household income ≥S$10,000/month were 71% more likely to screen for breast cancer (aPR = 1.71, CI = 1.37–2.13, p < 0.001), as compared with <$2,000/month. Conclusions Ethnicity and socio-economic status were significantly associated with lower uptake of cancer screening tests in Singapore. To improve the screening uptake among disadvantaged groups, a multi-faceted approach is needed that addresses the barriers to screening such as the adequacy of subsidy schemes and ethnic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Wei Lin Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Jie Seow
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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DEGUARA MICHELLE, CALLEJA NEVILLE, ENGLAND KATHLEEN. Cervical cancer and screening: knowledge, awareness and attitudes of women in Malta. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 61:E584-E592. [PMID: 33628965 PMCID: PMC7888396 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.4.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study comes at an opportune time due to recent introduction of the National Cervical Cancer Screening programme in Malta. It aims to assess the knowledge of 25-64 year-old females on cervical cancer and attitudes towards screening. Study design A cross-sectional, telephone-based, quantitative survey conducted in 2017. Methods The survey tool was based on the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire and was carried out among a random stratified sample of females of 25-64 years, resident in Malta. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Results 407 females (85% response rate) were interviewed. Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms was found to be significantly higher in women with a higher level of education (p < 0.001). Cervical screening was attended every 3 years by 69% of respondents. Regular attendees were more likely to have children (p = 0.001), have experienced cancer in a close family member (p = 0.002), and were between 35-44 and 45-54 years old (p < 0.001). The main reasons for non-attendance were embarrassment, fear of the test and fear of the result. Conclusion This research provides a better understanding of who are the vulnerable groups with respect to cervical cancer knowledge and screening attendance. Improving health literacy and implementing health promotion campaigns will improve early symptom recognition, risk factor knowledge and attendance for screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- MICHELLE DEGUARA
- Correspondence: Michelle Deguara, Directorate Health Information and Research, 95, G’Mangia Hill, G’Mangia, Pieta, PTA 1313 - E-mail:
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Majlesi M, Montazeri A, Rakhshani F, Nouri-Khashe-Heiran E, Akbari N. 'No to unnecessary caesarean sections': Evaluation of a mass-media campaign on women's knowledge, attitude and intention for mode of delivery. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235688. [PMID: 32780747 PMCID: PMC7418979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Improvement of women’s knowledge and attitude toward vaginal birth is recognized as an important strategy to control caesarean sections (CS) on maternal request. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mass-media campaign in improving knowledge, attitude and intention of women for vaginal birth. Methods This was a population-based study carried out in Tehran, Iran. A national ‘No to unnecessary caesarean sections’ campaign was launched in April 2016 and was televised for ten days. A random sample of pregnant women from all defined geographical areas of Tehran were recruited and assessed for knowledge about the benefits of vaginal birth and the risk of CS, attitude and intention toward mode of delivery at two points in time: before and after the campaign. A comparison was made to evaluate outcome measures among those who had seen the campaign and those who had not. Results In all, 37 public and private maternity care centers were selected randomly and 702 eligible pregnant women attending these centers were entered in the study. Pre- and post-intervention data for 466 women were available for analysis. Of these, 194 women indicated that they had seen the campaign and the remaining 272 women said that they had not. A comparison of the outcome measures between the two study groups showed that there were significant differences between those who had seen the campaign and those who had not. Those who had seen the campaign reported increased knowledge, had a more positive attitude and indicated increased behavioral intention toward vaginal birth. Conclusions In general, the findings indicated that the mass-media campaign improved pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude and intention towards vaginal birth. However, the long-term effects of such campaigns need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Majlesi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science &Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (AM); (NA)
| | - Fatemeh Rakhshani
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elmira Nouri-Khashe-Heiran
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Akbari
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (AM); (NA)
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MEREU A, CONCU F, DESSÌ C, GIRAU M, IONTA M, LAI L, LIORI A, MASALA M, MCGILLIARD C, ORIGA P, PIAZZA M, PISANU L, SOGGIU B, SOTGIU A, CONTU P, SARDU C. Knowledge about cancer screening programmes in Sardinia. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2019; 60:E337-E342. [PMID: 31967090 PMCID: PMC6953453 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.4.1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background High level of attendance by population is considered a proof of the efficacy in the screening programmes. Public health aims to increase people’s attendance to cancer screening. The study aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and awareness about screening of citizens in Cagliari, from June to July 2016. Methods Recruitment took place near the atrium of the two main shopping centres of the city. The sample included 270 adults (138 men), 18-75 years old (mean age 46 years old). The information gathered from interviews were categorized by dichotomizing answers according to the knowledge and understanding of the discussed topics. Descriptive analysis was performed. The Chi-square test was used to assess gender and educational differences. Results Results show that population’s knowledge of screening is limited. Although the word “screening” is known, only half of the people who declared to have heard of this word know about the aim of screening. Colorectal cancer screening is the least known. Men and people with lower education are less informed than women and those with high education level. Conclusion In order to raise knowledge and awareness about cancer screening, special attention should be paid to communication and to the use of plain language. Future action should highlight the benefit of the screening procedure and thus contributing to spread the cancer prevention culture. Gender and socioeconomic inequalities must be taken into account when planning screening communication campaigns. General practitioner are highly trusted by people. They could play a decisive role to promote screening attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. MEREU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: Alessandra Mereu, Department of Medicine Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato - SS554 (Bivio Sestu) - 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy - Tel. +39 070 6753103 - E-mail:
| | - F. CONCU
- Medicine and Surgery Faculty, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - C. DESSÌ
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M. GIRAU
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M.T. IONTA
- Oncology Structure of University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - L. LAI
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - A. LIORI
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M. MASALA
- Medicine and Surgery Faculty, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - C.D. MCGILLIARD
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - P. ORIGA
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M.F. PIAZZA
- Medicine and Surgery Faculty, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - L. PISANU
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - B. SOGGIU
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - A. SOTGIU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - P. CONTU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - C. SARDU
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Ruiz-López T, Sen S, Jakobsen E, Tropé A, Castle PE, Hansen BT, Nygård M. FightHPV: Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Game to Raise Awareness About Human Papillomavirus and Nudge People to Take Action Against Cervical Cancer. JMIR Serious Games 2019; 7:e8540. [PMID: 30958271 PMCID: PMC6475825 DOI: 10.2196/games.8540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. High-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer, other anogenital cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer; low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts. Cervical cancer is highly preventable through HPV vaccination and screening; however, a lack of awareness and knowledge of HPV and these preventive strategies represents an important barrier to reducing the burden of the disease. The rapid development and widespread use of mobile technologies in the last few years present an opportunity to overcome this lack of knowledge and create new, effective, and modern health communication strategies. Objective This study aimed to describe the development of a mobile app called FightHPV, a game-based learning tool that educates mobile technology users about HPV, the disease risks associated with HPV infection, and existing preventive methods. Methods The first version of FightHPV was improved in a design-development-evaluation loop, which incorporated feedback from a beta testing study of 40 participants, a first focus group of 6 participants aged between 40 and 50 years and a second focus group of 23 participants aged between 16 and 18 years. Gameplay data from the beta testing study were collected using Google Analytics (Google), whereas feedback from focus groups was evaluated qualitatively. Of the 29 focus group participants, 26 returned self-administered questionnaires. HPV knowledge before and after playing the game was evaluated in the 22 participants from the second focus group who returned a questionnaire. Results FightHPV communicates concepts about HPV, associated diseases and their prevention by representing relationships among 14 characters in 6 episodes of 10 levels each, with each level being represented by a puzzle. Main concepts were reinforced with text explanations. Beta testing revealed that many players either failed or had to retry several times before succeeding at the more difficult levels in the game. It also revealed that players gave up at around level 47 of 60, which prompted the redesign of FightHPV to increase accessibility to all episodes. Focus group discussions led to several improvements in the user experience and dissemination of health information in the game, such as making all episodes available from the beginning of the game and rewriting the information in a more appealing way. Among the 26 focus group participants who returned a questionnaire, all stated that FightHPV is an appealing educational tool, 69% (18/26) reported that they liked the game, and 81% (21/26) stated that the game was challenging. We observed an increase in HPV knowledge after playing the game (P=.001). Conclusions FightHPV was easy to access, use, and it increased awareness about HPV infection, its consequences, and preventive measures. FightHPV can be used to educate people to take action against HPV and cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Ruiz-López
- HPV Research Group, Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sagar Sen
- Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Philip E Castle
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bo Terning Hansen
- HPV Research Group, Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Nygård
- HPV Research Group, Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Manguro GO, Masese LN, Mandaliya K, Graham SM, McClelland RS, Smith JS. Preference of specimen collection methods for human papillomavirus detection for cervical cancer screening: a cross-sectional study of high-risk women in Mombasa, Kenya. Reprod Health 2018; 15:206. [PMID: 30541595 PMCID: PMC6291975 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Self-collection of genital specimens for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection may increase cervical cancer screening uptake. We hypothesized that women would prefer self-collection to clinician-collection of genital specimens. To test this hypothesis, and women’s preference between two different self-collection approaches, a total of 199 women were enrolled in a cross-sectional study in Mombasa, Kenya. Materials and methods Participants provided self-collected specimens using the Evalyn cytobrush (Rovers) stored in a dry tube and the Viba cytobrush (Rovers) stored in wet Aptima media (Hologic). A clinician also collected cervical specimens for hrHPV testing and for cytology, and performed visual inspection using acetic acid. A post-examination questionnaire assessed preferences for the different methods of specimen collection. To test the difference in proportions for each collection method, we performed an exact binomial probability test, under the null hypothesis that women would prefer each specimen-collection method equally. Results Most women preferred clinician-collection over self-collection (68% versus 32%, p < 0.01). For self-collection, dry-self collection with the Evalyn brush was preferred over the wet-selection with the Viba brush (53% versus 27%, p < 0.01). There was no association between preference for self-collection and preference for a particular self-collection cytobrush. Conclusion Further research to understand and address obstacles to self-collection of genital specimens may be needed to improve the uptake of self-collection for cervical cancer screening, especially in settings with poor access to trained healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linnet N Masese
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, P.O Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Susan M Graham
- Departments of Epidemiology, Global Health, and Medicine, University of Washington, P.O Box 359909, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Departments of Epidemiology, Global Health, and Medicine, University of Washington, P.O Box 359909, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer S Smith
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Effectiveness of three interventions in improving adherence to cervical cancer screening. Eur J Cancer Prev 2015; 25:423-9. [PMID: 26301923 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In countries where cervical cancer screening programmes are conducted on an opportunistic basis, an active search for women at risk should be made to increase coverage. The objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of three primary care interventions consisting of providing written, telephone and face-to-face information to increase screening participation among women over the age of 25 years. A randomized experimental study with only one post-test control group was conducted on women aged 25-70 years. A total of 1676 women were randomly distributed into four groups and the following interventions were implemented: written briefing; telephone briefing; an invitation to attend a group meeting and no briefing (control group). The women were evaluated 2 years after the intervention. The outcome variable was participation or nonparticipation in cervical cancer screening. It proved possible to interview a total of 1122 women. Among the groups, homogeneity was tested in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and health-related variables. Women who had undergone cytological testing in the 2 years preceding evaluation had a lower mean age (P<0.001) than women who had not done so (45.5±11.0 vs. 48.8±13.0 years). The proportion of women who had participated in screening was as follows: 35.3% in the written information group [95% confidence interval (CI) 29.8-40.9]; 38.4% in the telephone information group (95% CI 32.5-44.2); 29.3% in the face-to-face information group (95% CI 22.8-35.7) and 26.1% in the control group (95% CI 21.2-30.9), with this difference proving statistically significant (P=0.005). Logistic regression showed that only the interventions based on written or telephone briefing were effective vis-à-vis the control group. In conclusion, both written and telephone information can serve to improve women's participation in opportunistic cervical cancer screening. Current preventive strategies could be optimized by means of simple interventions within the scope of health professionals.
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Bazargan M, Lucas-Wright A, Jones L, Vargas R, Vadgama JV, Evers-Manly S, Maxwell AE. Understanding Perceived Benefit of Early Cancer Detection: Community-Partnered Research with African American Women in South Los Angeles. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 24:755-61. [PMID: 26131760 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.5049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American women have lower 5-year cancer survival rates than non-Latino White women. Differences in perceived benefits of early cancer detection among racial/ethnic groups may affect cancer-screening behaviors. This study assessed correlates of perceived benefits of early breast, cervical and colorectal cancer detection among 513 African American women. METHODS Using a community-partnered participatory research approach, we conducted a survey on cancer screening, risk behaviors, and related knowledge and attitudes among African American parishioners at 11 churches in South Los Angeles, a neighborhood that experiences one of the highest cancer mortality rates in California. RESULTS African American women who participated in this study were more likely to believe that chances for survival are very good or good after early detection of breast cancer (74%) than after early detection of colorectal (51%) and cervical cancer (52%). Multivariate analyses show that perceived benefit of early cancer detection is associated with higher cancer knowledge and having discussed one's cancer risk with a doctor. CONCLUSIONS Given that 5-year survival rates for early stage breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer range from 84% to 93%, our data suggest that a substantial proportion of African American women in South Los Angeles are not aware of the benefits of early detection, particularly of colorectal and cervical cancers. Programs that increase cancer knowledge and encourage a discussion of individual's cancer risk with a doctor may be able to increase perceived benefit of early detection, a construct that has been shown to be associated with cancer screening in some studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- 1 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , Los Angeles, California.,3 David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Anna Lucas-Wright
- 1 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , Los Angeles, California.,2 Healthy African American Families , Los Angeles, California
| | - Loretta Jones
- 1 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , Los Angeles, California.,2 Healthy African American Families , Los Angeles, California
| | - Roberto Vargas
- 3 David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Jaydutt V Vadgama
- 1 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , Los Angeles, California
| | - Shirley Evers-Manly
- 1 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , Los Angeles, California
| | - Annette E Maxwell
- 4 Fielding School of Public Health and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
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