Examining the Cervical Screening Behaviour of Women Aged 50 or above and Its Predicting Factors: A Population-Based Survey

Coping with modesty during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a multicentric study

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed tumour, representing nearly 30% of all new cases in women. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a crucial role in the management of breast cancer. The objective of this study is to assess modesty in patients undergoing RT for breast cancer and take their suggestions and ideas into consideration to enhance the quality of treatment in this regard.

METHODS

The study enrolled 555 breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant RT in three Italian centres. Patients completed a self-test questionnaire assessing their comfort level concerning modesty during therapy and their relationship with strangers and healthcare professionals. The impact of religious views and potential changes in sexuality were also examined.

RESULTS

Results showed that modesty was a common concern across the overall cohort of patients, with discomfort in being undressed during RT correlating with discomfort experienced in other daily life situations. Most patients felt more at ease with same sex healthcare workers. Age was also a major factor with younger patients generally feeling more comfortable with healthcare workers of the same age group. Interestingly, the surgical technique used (mastectomy vs. quadrantectomy) did not significantly influence modesty perceptions. Patients provided valuable suggestions to improve privacy and modesty during RT.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that modesty is an important issue for women undergoing RT, which can be influenced by personal characteristics and hospital-related factors. A reflection about the need to address modesty concerns and to incorporate dedicated interventions for protecting patients' physical and emotional well-being is warranted. Initiatives to improve communication, involvement, and body image support should also be integrated into the care path of patients to better their overall therapeutic experience. This study paves the way for broader research and interventions in daily cancer care.

Cancer mortality predictions for 2024 in selected Asian countries and Australia with focus on stomach cancer

INTRODUCTION

We estimated cancer mortality figures in five major Asian countries and Australia for 2024, focusing on stomach cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Eastern Asia.

METHODS

We computed country- and sex-specific annual age-standardized rates (ASRs) for total cancers and the 10 most common cancer sites, using WHO and the United Nations Population Division databases from 1970 to 2021 or the latest available year. We predicted figures for 2024 and estimated the number of avoided cancer deaths in 1994-2024.

RESULTS

All cancers combined ASR declined between 2015-2019 and 2024 across considered countries and sexes. In 2024, the lowest predicted male rate is in the Philippines (75.0/100 000) and the highest in Australia (94.2/100 000). The Republic of Korea is predicted to have the lowest female ASR (42.1/100 000) while the Philippines the highest (74.5/100 000). Over the last three decades, 121 300 deaths were estimated to be avoided in Hong Kong SAR, 69 500 in Israel, 1 246 300 in Japan, 653 300 in the Republic of Korea, 303 300 in Australia, and 89 700 among Philippine men. Mortality from stomach cancer has been decreasing since 1970 in all considered countries and both sexes. Significant decreases are at all age groups Male rates remain, however, high in Japan (8.7/100 000) and the Republic of Korea (6.2/100 000).

CONCLUSION

Declining cancer mortality is predicted in the considered countries, notably reducing stomach cancer burden. Stomach cancer, however, remains a major public health issue in East Asia.

Associations between the signing status of family doctor contract services and cervical cancer screening behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Shenzhen, China

BACKGROUND

As a core part of the primary healthcare system, family doctor contract services (FDCS) may help healthcare providers promote cervical cancer screening to the female population. However, evidence from population-based studies remains scant. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between the signing status of FDCS and cervical cancer screening practices in Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey among female residents was conducted between July to December 2020 in Shenzhen, China. A multistage sampling method was applied to recruit women seeking health services in community health service centers. Binary logistic regression models were established to assess the associations between the signing status of FDCS and cervical cancer screening behaviors.

RESULTS

Overall, 4389 women were recruited (mean age: 34.28, standard deviation: 7.61). More than half (54.3%) of the participants had signed up with family doctors. Women who had signed up for FDCS performed better in HPV-related knowledge (high-level rate: 49.0% vs. 35.6%, P<0.001), past screening participation (48.4% vs. 38.8%, P<0.001), and future screening willingness (95.9% vs. 90.8%, P<0.001) than non-signing women. Signing up with family doctors was marginally associated with past screening participation (OR: 1.13, 95%CI: 0.99-1.28), which tended to be robust among women with health insurance, being older than 25 years old at sexual debut, using condom consistently during sexual intercourse, and with a low level of HPV related knowledge. Similarly, signing up with family doctors was positively associated with future screening willingness (OR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.29-2.20), which was more pronounced among women who got married and had health insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that signing up with family doctors has positive associations with cervical cancer screening behaviors among Chinese women. Expanding public awareness of cervical cancer prevention and FDCS may be a feasible way to achieve the goal of cervical cancer screening coverage.

Cervical Cancer Screening Practice Among Women: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study Design

Early detection of cervical cancer through screening practice in developing countries is still low. The study is aimed to determine cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among women of age 25 to 59 years old. Community-based study design was employed and systematic sampling was used to get 458 samples. The data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for cleaning and analysis. Binary and Multivariable Logistic regression was used and adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI at P-value <.05 was reported as significant value. Cervical screening practice among the study participants was 15.5%. Women's age 40 to 49 (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 0.94, 9.28), educational status (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 1.31, 13.37), employed women (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.01, 6.68), parity above 4 (AOR = 3.09, CI = 1.03, 9.31), sexual partners 2 to 3 (AOR = 5.32, CI = 2.33, 12.14), good knowledge about cervical cancer (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.83, 8.23) and positive attitude toward cervical cancer (AOR = 5.92, CI = 2.53, 13.87) were independently associated with cervical cancer screening practices. The study revealed that the utilization of cervical cancer screening was very low. Educational status, Women's age, number of sexual partners, knowledge, and attitude were significantly associated with cervical cancer screening practice. Therefore, intervention programs intended at improving cervical cancer screening practice among women should focus on the significant factors.

Using planned behavior theory to understand cervical cancer screening intentions in Chinese women

Introduction

Cervical cancer is still one of the cancers threatening the health of Chinese women with high morbidity and mortality. However, the participation rate of cervical cancer screening (CCS) among women is low due to various reasons, so it is crucial to understand the factors that influence women's willingness to be screened for cervical cancer. This study's goal was to understand the intention of cervical cancer screening in Chinese women using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to 286 women using a cross-sectional design. The questionnaire was created using the theory of planned behavior and included demographic characteristics as well as the basic structure of TPB.

Results

Descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression models were performed to identify factors associated with cervical cancer screening behavior. 286 respondents completed the survey (95.3%). The mean scores for behavioral attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were 32.50 (SD = 3.30), 22.59 (SD = 2.80) and 29.57 (SD = 3.37). From the regression analysis, behavioral attitude (B = 0.110, p = 0.001), subjective norm (B = 0.234, p = 0.000) and perceived behavioral control (B = 0.171, p = 0.000) were statistically significant in terms of intention.

Discussion

This study provided a reference for improving the intention of cervical cancer screening in women.

Determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization among women attending healthcare services in Amhara region referral hospitals: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and one of the top 20 causes of death among women in Ethiopia. Cervical cancer screening service has a vital value to reduce morbidity and mortality. Even though cervical cancer screening service utilization in Ethiopia is unacceptably low, its determinant factors were not well studied in the study area. Hence, this study was aimed at filling this information gap. This study aimed to identify determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization among women attending healthcare services in Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Hospital-based case-control study was conducted among 441 women (147 cases and 294 controls) from May to July 2021. Cases were included consecutively and controls were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from the randomly selected hospitals. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from respondents. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval and p value < 0.05 were used to estimate the strength and significance of the association.

RESULT

A total of 147 cases and 294 controls were enrolled in this study. Women with 30-39 years-old [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.21, 4.68] and 40-49 years-old [AOR = 4.4 95% CI 1.97, 10.12], urban residence [AOR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.36, 5.21], secondary education [AOR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.18, 8.87] and diploma and above [AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.59], ever gave birth [AOR = 9.4; 95% CI 4.92, 18.26], having multiple sexual partners [AOR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.60, 5.03], good knowledge towards cervical cancer screening [AOR = 3.6; 95% CI 2.07, 6.43] and positive attitude on cervical cancer screening [AOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.20, 3.70] were significant determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization.

CONCLUSION

In this study, age (30-39 and 40-49), urban residence, secondary education, ever gave birth, good knowledge of cervical cancer screening, positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, and having multiple sexual partners were significant determinants of cervical cancer screening service utilization. There is a need to strengthen the policy and health education on safe sexual practices and healthy lifestyles through information dissemination and communication to scale up screening service utilization.

Predicting attitudes towards screening for neurodegenerative diseases using OCT and artificial intelligence: Findings from a literature review

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning raise the possibility of screening and early diagnosis for neurodegenerative diseases, using 3D scans of the retina. The eventual value of such screening will depend not only on scientific metrics such as specificity and sensitivity but, critically, also on public attitudes and uptake. Differential screening rates for various screening programmes in England indicate that multiple factors influence uptake. In this narrative literature review, some of these potential factors are explored in relation to predicting uptake of an early screening tool for neurodegenerative diseases using AI. These include: awareness of the disease, perceived risk, social influence, the use of AI, previous screening experience, socioeconomic status, health literacy, uncontrollable mortality risk, and demographic factors. The review finds the strongest and most consistent predictors to be ethnicity, social influence, the use of AI, and previous screening experience. Furthermore, it is likely that factors also interact to predict the uptake of such a tool. However, further experimental work is needed both to validate these predictions and explore interactions between the significant predictors.

Changes in rate and socioeconomic inequality of cervical cancer screening in northeastern China from 2013 to 2018

Objective

Cervical cancer, the fourth leading cancer diagnosed in women, has brought great attention to cervical cancer screening to eliminate cervical cancer. In this study, we analyzed two waves of provincially representative data from northeastern China's National Health Services Survey (NHSS) in 2013 and 2018, to investigate the temporal changes and socioeconomic inequalities in the cervical cancer screening rate in northeastern China.

Methods

Data from two waves (2013 and 2018) of the NHSS deployed in Jilin Province were analyzed. We included women aged 15-64 years old and considered the occurrence of any cervical screening in the past 12 months to measure the cervical cancer screening rate in correlation with the annual per-capita household income, educational attainment, health insurance, and other socioeconomic characteristics.

Results

A total of 11,616 women aged 15-64 years were eligible for inclusion. Among all participants, 7,069 participants (61.11%) were from rural areas. The rate of cervical cancer screening increased from 2013 to 2018 [odds ratio (OR): 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.09, p < 0.001]. In total, the cervical cancer screening rate was higher among participants who lived in urban areas than rural areas (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03-1.39, p = 0.020). The rate was also higher among those with the highest household income per capita (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.56, p = 0.007), with higher educational attainment (p < 0.001), and with health insurance (p < 0.05), respectively. The rate of cervical cancer screening was also significantly associated with parity (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.23-2.41, p = 0.001) and marital status (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15-1.81, p = 0.001) but not ethnicity (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.95-1.36, p = 0.164).

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening coverage improved from 2013 to 2018 in northeastern China but remains far below the target 70% screening rate proposed by the World Health Organization. Although rural-urban inequality disappeared over time, other socioeconomic inequalities remained.

Increasing cervical cancer screening in Iran: effectiveness of a theory-based educational intervention

Purpose of study

The high mortality rate of cervical cancer in developing countries is mainly related to inefficient screening programs. The aim of the present study was, thus, to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on BASNEF (Belief, Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Enabling Factors) model on increasing the rate of cervical cancer screening (CCS) in Bandar Deir in the south of Iran.

Methods

A quasi-experimental educational intervention was made with 202 women participants (101 in the intervention group (IG) and 101 in the control group (CG)) in 2019–20. The sampling was convenience in type. The data were collected using a reliable and valid tripartite questionnaire (demographic information, knowledge, BASNEF constructs). A total number of 14 training sessions were held each taking 60 min, at two levels, personal and interpersonal (for family members, health workers and healthcare givers). Finally, there was a three-month follow-up held in December 2021.

Results

After the training, a statistically significant difference was found between the IG and CG in all model constructs (p < 0.001). Before the intervention, in the IG, the personal health score was 4.35 ± 2.52, which was increased to 5.25 ± 0.753 after the training (p < 0.001). However, in the CG, the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.030). 63.4% of women in the IG and 32.7% in the CG performed the CCS and the between-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Attitude, enabling factors and behavioral intention were the main predictors of CCS.

Conclusion

The present findings showed though the training intervention based on the BASNEF model had limited resources and was run in a short time, it managed to motivate women to perform the CCS. It could maximally remove barriers at both personal and interpersonal levels and suggest strategies in the light of these barriers to achieve a successful screening program.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01489-5.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent fatal cancer among women on a global scale, and is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screening. The high mortality rate of cervical cancer in developing countries, including Iran, has been largely attributed to inefficient screening programs. In developing countries cervical cancer screening programs are far from qualified. Yet, theory-based educational interventions can play an important role in promoting CCS behavior. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on the Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Norms and Enabling Factors (BASNEF model on increasing CCS in women in the south of Iran. BASNEF model includes beliefs about behavioral outcomes, attitudes toward behavior, subjective norms and enabling factors. The most significant construct in BASNEF model is the behavior change. Beliefs and attitudes are influenced by culture, values, traditions, education, media, and personal experiences. Subjective norms include family, society, social media, and peer pressure. Enabling factors include income, women’s status, time, and skills. This model can be proposed as a new educational method. A quasi-experimental two-group (pretest–posttest) study was conducted in 2019–2020 on 202 women (101 in the intervention group, and 101 in the control group). In the intervention group, 14 training sessions (10 at the personal level and 4 at the interpersonal level) were held between 40 and 60 min’ long. In the control group, 1 training session was held in 6 groups of 15–20. It was 60 min’ long. The follow-up was held three months after the intervention. The results showed that the educational intervention, by affecting the BASNEF constructs, significantly affected women’s CCS behavior. Maximizing barriers at both personal and interpersonal levels and suggesting strategies based on these barriers can help achieve a successful screening program. In particular, we call for the implementation of goal-oriented training programs according to health education and health promotion models to increase the rate of CCS behavior.

Educational Interventions to Promote Cervical Cancer Screening among Rural Populations: A Systematic Review

The urban-rural gap in cervical cancer screening uptake is a significant public health consideration. Educational interventions are commonly adopted to promote cervical cancer screening among females in rural areas; however, the characteristics and effectiveness of these educational interventions remain unclear. In this review, we aimed to identify the characteristics of educational interventions used in rural populations and to evaluate the effects of these interventions on cervical cancer screening-related outcomes. Seven English databases were searched in January 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies were used for quality appraisal. RevMan 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. A narrative synthesis was conducted in instances where a meta-analysis was inappropriate. Three RCTs and seven quasi-experimental studies conducted in six countries were included. A social cognitive theory-based framework, the community setting, group sessions, healthcare professional-led approaches, and culture-tailored materials were implemented in the educational interventions for cervical cancer screening. The educational content mainly included basic information on cervical cancer screening, psychological issues, barriers and strategies to overcome them, and locally available resources. Educational interventions increased the knowledge and uptake of cervical cancer screening in the rural population. However, the studies only evaluated the short-term effects of these educational interventions, with the cervical screening behavior only being assessed in one instance for each participant. Educational interventions promote cervical cancer screening among females in rural areas. Theory-driven, community-involved, group-based, and healthcare professional-led approaches should be prioritized in the application of educational interventions in rural populations. Both the short- and long-term, influences of educational interventions on the cervical cancer screening behavior of females in rural areas need to be recognized.

Complementary Medicine Use and Uptake of Cancer Screening Among US Adults: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Cancer screenings can considerably reduce cancer mortality. There is limited information on the association between complementary medicine use and adherence to recommended cancer screenings. In this study, the potential associations between uptake of cancer screening and consultations with complementary medicine practitioners or mind-body medicine use are examined. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey of a population-based sample (n = 26 742; response rate = 80.7%). Age- and sex-related risk groups for breast cancer (women 45 years and older), cervical cancer (women 21 years and older), and colorectal cancer (45 to 85 years) were analyzed in 2018. Prevalence of complementary medicine use in the past 12 months as well as prevalence of cancer screening uptake in the past 12 months were calculated. Results: At least one complementary medicine approach was used by 32.4% of participants. Controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables, individuals who consulted a chiropractor or naturopath or who used mind-body medicine approaches were more likely to take up Pap smear test (odds ratio = 1.20-1.35), mammography (odds ratio = 1.22-1.38), and/or colorectal cancer screening (odds ratio = 1.18-1.37). Those consulting a homeopath were more likely to take up Pap smear test (odds ratio = 1.33). No association was found between consultations of practitioners of chelation therapy or traditional medicine and cancer screening uptake. Conclusion: Complementary medicine use seems to be associated with a better adherence to cancer screening. Individuals who consulted a chiropractor or naturopath or who used mind-body medicine approaches were more likely to take up the recommended screening.

DNA methylation marker for the triage of hrHPV positive women in cervical cancer screening: Real-world evidence in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary cervical cancer screening followed by reflex cytology if high-risk HPV is present (hrHPV+) is recently adopted in some countries. However, reflex cytology's sensitivity is variable, and a suitable triage approach for hrHPV+ remains controversial. Here, we compared the performance of three triage tools in hrHPV+ women.

METHODS

Three triage tools-cytology, HPV16/18 genotyping, and DNA methylation biomarker PAX1^m-were analyzed for their clinical performance in hrHPV+ women. In addition, women without cervical cancer at enrollment were followed for histologically confirmed high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN3+) annually using Papanicolaou smear.

RESULTS

Of 4762 women aged ≥20 years enrolled, 502 (10.5%) were hrHPV+. PAX1^m and cytology demonstrated similar accuracy (>90%), sensitivity (>78%), and specificity (>92%) as triage tools in 429 hrHPV+ women aged 30-64 years. PAX1^m had better accuracy and specificity (91.6% and 92.5%, respectively) than HPV16/18 (76.9% and 76.8%, respectively). The incidence of CIN3+ among hrHPV+ women was 10.7 cases/1000 person-years. The incidence was significantly greater in PAX1^m-positive women than in PAX1^m-negative women.

CONCLUSIONS

PAX1^m has comparable clinical performance to cytology and better accuracy and specificity than HPV16/18 as the triage tool for detecting CIN3+ in hrHPV+ women. The PAX1^m assay is thus a promising molecular-based triage tool for early detection of CIN and predicting disease progression in hrHPV+ women. It can be especially useful in countries where adequate cytology-based infrastructure is lacking, such as some Southeast Asian countries, for cervical cancer screening and prevention.

Cervical Cancer Screening Rate and Willingness among Female Migrants in Shenzhen, China: Three-Year Changes in Citywide Surveys

Purpose

This study attempted to detect the changes of cervical cancer screening rate and willingness among female migrants, and the associated socio-demographic factors in Shenzhen city.

Materials and Methods

Two citywide surveys were conducted using a multistage random cluster sampling method in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Data on demographic characteristics, screening participation, and willingness to screen were collected. Logistic regression models were applied to detect possible associated socio-demographic characteristics, and their variations with survey years.

Results

In total, 12,017 female migrants were enrolled, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 36.73 (6.55) years. From 2011 to 2014, the screening rate increased (25.8% vs. 35.1%, p < 0.001), while the willingness to screen remained stable (82.2% vs. 82.8%, p=0.46). Overall, socio-demographic characteristics of female migrants, including age, marital status, education, monthly income, employment, and medical insurance, were found to be positively associated with screening participation. Similar impacts in relation to willingness were observed except for age. However, these associations varied with survey years, mainly in the contributions of education and monthly income to screening participation, as well as age, monthly income, and medical insurance to willingness of being screened.

Conclusion

Identifying changes of associated socio-demographic factors precisely is warranted of necessity, which provides novel clues to adjust targeted actions regularly in promoting cervical cancer screening participation among female migrants in Shenzhen.

Interventions to Reduce Healthcare Disparities in Cancer Screening Among Minority Adults: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Racial minority populations face an increased burden relative to cancer interventions. Compared with Caucasians, the cancer screening rate is substantially lower among African American, Asian American, Latinx American, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Barriers such as low health literacy, lack of health insurance, and miscommunication between patients and providers have been identified as important factors that result in low screening rates among minority adults. This study was designed to identify interventions targeting racial minority adults 40 years of age or older that were effective in increasing cancer screening uptake rates.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles published in and after January 2009 was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Twenty-six published studies of cancer screening intervention tested with minority adults were identified through the searches of CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases.

RESULTS

Thirteen (50%) of the studies utilized lay community health workers to increase cancer awareness and knowledge and to encourage screening. These methods took place over the telephone, at community education sessions, or within the context of personalized patient navigation support. The intervention programs utilized culturally relevant materials as well as spoken and written information in the targeted population's native language. Various intervention designs resulted in statistically significant increases in cancer screening adherence. However, we found no intervention that consistently elevated cancer screening rates across all racial/ethnic minority adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding suggests that highly segmented interventions are needed in order to improve cancer screening among various racial/ethnic minority adults.

Perception of health, health behaviours and the use of prophylactic examinations in postmenopausal women

Background

Pro-health behaviours aim at disease prevention, recovery from an illness and maintenance of good health in a physical, mental and social sphere. The study had two main objectives: (a) to analyse health behaviours of postmenopausal women and their understanding of the notion of health, and (b) to analyse the relationship between individual categories of health behaviours and prophylactic activities undertaken by postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 510 postmenopausal women. Three study instruments were used: an original questionnaire and two instruments designed by Juczyński: the List of Health Criteria and the Health Behaviour Inventory.

Results

In the view of the respondents health was primarily synonymous with a feature, because the following three associations were given the highest priority when defining health: to be healthy means ‘have all body parts functioning well’ (M = 1.82), ‘do not experience any physical problems’ (M = 1.43) and ‘not be sick, only occasionally suffer from flu, cold or indigestion’. The score for health behaviours was average (M = 86.18). The highest score was achieved in the area of prophylactic behaviours. General indicator of health-related behaviours was higher in women who rated their health as very good (p < 0.05). Women whose general indicator of health-related behaviours was higher regularly performed prophylactic gynaecological examinations (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results showed that women after menopause treat health mainly as a feature of their body and condition specific for this period of life. The analysis of postmenopausal women’s health behaviours and their perception of health helped to identify areas that require the focus of medical personnel in regard to health promotion and prophylaxis. The average general indicator of health-related behaviours is positive for this group of women as it shows that they care about their health, especially in terms of prophylaxis.

A Mixed-Method Study Examining Cancer Screening Uptake among South Asian Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong

Objective:

Utilization of cancer screening is an effective means of cancer prevention. However, South Asian ethnic minorities in Western countries are reported to face barriers in cancer screening utilization, resulting in a low screening uptake by these individuals. The purpose of this mixed-method study is to assess the uptake rate of cancer screening among South Asian ethnic minorities in the Chinese Society of Hong Kong and to examine the factors affecting their participation in cancer screening.

Methods:

This study utilized a sequential mixed-method design, involving two phases. Following the implementation of a self-report survey among South Asian participants via an author-developed questionnaire with 1547 participants in Phase 1, a focus group interview was conducted with 34 participants in Phase 2 to assess the barriers to screening utilization. Convenience sampling was adopted to recruit participants at South Asian community centers in Phase 1, whereas purposive sampling was used for recruiting participants in Phase 2.

Results:

The findings revealed a low (<40%) uptake rate of cancer screening among the participants. Health illiteracy, language barrier, limited access to health information and screening services, and cultural issues were the major barriers to their cancer screening utilization.

Conclusions:

Our findings provided valuable information for both policymakers and health professionals to better understand the needs of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. As cancer death rates can be lowered by early detection and primary preventive measures, health professionals should focus on the development of culture-specific interventions. Similarly, training the community health workers can strengthen the primary care system in enhancing knowledge on cancer, its prevention, and access to cancer screening services among local ethnic minorities.

Association of self-care status with some relevant factors in middle-aged women in their early menopausal stage

BACKGROUND

Through self-care, people can solve their health-related problems through increasing their awareness and correcting their lifestyles.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association of self-care status with some relevant factors in Kashanian middle-aged women in their early menopausal stage.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study on 351 women in the age range of 45-60 years. Women were selected based on cluster sampling method from the individuals at health-care centers in Kashan, Iran. Researcher-constructed questionnaire on self-care was used. The validity and the reliability of the questionnaire were calculated. The information gathering method was questionnaire completion by the study participants or interview with them. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 16 software. T-test, ANOVA, Spearman correlation, and linear regression analysis were applied.

RESULTS

The mean (±standard deviation) of the self-care score was 108.14 ± 20.43. Self-care scores were weak in 13.92%, intermediate in 71.02%, and good in 15.06%. Regression analysis showed that the mean of self-care was significantly higher in those with higher educational level of women's (P = 0.045) and their spouses (P = 0.001). Women who were covered by insurance also showed higher self-care; in addition, there was no significant relationship between self-care and participants' job, spouses' jobs, marital status, marital satisfaction, economic satisfaction, number of children, number of households, and type of accommodation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that self-care is inadequate and that the level of education of couples and insurance coverage has a positive effect on the level of self-care in postmenopausal women. To promote self-care in old age, education and empowerment can be considered.

Educational Interventions for Cervical Cancer Screening Behavior of Women: A Systematic Review

Background:

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide; early detection can play a key role in reducing the associated morbidity. The objective of this study was to systematically assess the effects of educational interventions on cervical cancer screening (CCS) behavior of women.

Methods:

In this review the Cochrane library, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus and search engine of Google scholar were searched for all interventional studies (trails, pre- and post-test or quasi-experimental) published in 2000-2017 for a systematic review, The search was based on the following keywords: cervix cancer, uterine cervical neoplasms, screening, prevention and control, Papanicolaou Test, pap test, pap smear, education, intervention, systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, a qualitative analysis was performed.

Results:

Thirty seven articles with 15,658 female participants in different parts of world were included in the review. About three quarters of the articles covered behavior change interventions. About one fourth of the articles were based on health education methods. The heath belief model is the most popular used framework for cervical cancer screening interventions. The results of our study showed that different health education methods (such as calls, mailed postcards, mother/daughter education. consultation sessions, picture books, videos, PowerPoint slides, small group discussions, educational brochures, radio broadcast education, lecture presentations, tailored counseling and a fact sheet, Self-learning package, face-to- face interviews and etc) are effective in modifying cervical cancer screening behavior of women.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that the different interventions and health behavior change frameworks provide an effective base for cervical cancer prevention. Heath providers can chose educational methods based on the particular client situations.