• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.349-356
• /
• 2019

The purpose of the study is to survey and identify the degree of cognition of women in their 20s in Korea for cervical cancer screening which has been expanded to those aged 20 as the age for the screening since January 2016, and to reveal its correlation with intention of screening. The responses to the questionnaire of the survey conducted on total 353 females in C region were collected for the data from Nov 1, 2017 to Nov 10, 2017. The frequency analysis, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted by utilizing 353 copies of the questionnaire. According to the result, only 129(36.5%) answered that they recognized the current system of cervical cancer screening. Besides, the intention of screening in case of recognizing the cervical cancer screening project was 1.63 times higher than when it is not the case. Therefore, it is required to raise the participation of screening of women in their 20s by intensifying education and promotion on cervical cancer screening for women who are not yet in their 20s in linkage with health care projects at schools.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.147-155
• /
• 2012

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise about 2.5% of the Australian population. Cancer registry data indicate that their breast cancer survivals are lower than for other women but the completeness and accuracy of Indigenous descriptors on registries are uncertain. We followed women receiving mammography screening in BreastScreen to determine differences in screening experiences and survivals from breast cancer by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, as recorded by BreastScreen. This status is self-reported and used in BreastScreen accreditation, and is considered to be more accurate. The study included breast cancers diagnosed during the period of screening and after leaving the screening program. Design: Least square regression models were used to compare screening experiences and outcomes adjusted for age, geographic remoteness, socio-economic disadvantage, screening period and round during 1996-2005. Survival of breast cancer patients from all causes and from breast cancer specifically was compared for the 1991-2006 diagnostic period using linked cancer-registry data. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for socio-demographic differences, screening period, and where available, tumour size, nodal status and proximity of diagnosis to time of screen. Results: After adjustment for socio-demographic differences and screening period, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women participated less frequently than other women in screening and re-screening although this difference appeared to be diminishing; were less likely to attend post-screening assessment within the recommended 28 days if recalled for assessment; had an elevated ductal carcinoma in situ but not invasive cancer detection rate; had larger breast cancers; and were more likely than other women to be treated by mastectomy than complete local excision. Linked cancer registry data indicated that five-year year survivals of breast cancer cases from all causes of death were 81% for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, compared with 90% for other women, and that the former had larger breast cancers that were more likely to have nodal spread at diagnosis. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, tumour size, nodal spread and time from last screen to diagnosis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women had approximately twice the risk of death from breast cancer as other women. Conclusions: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have less favourable screening experiences and those diagnosed with breast cancer (either during the screening period or after leaving the screening program) have lower survivals that persist after adjustment for socio-demographic differences, tumour size and nodal status.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.3981-3990
• /
• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Jordan. Current efforts are focused on annual campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer and encouraging women to conduct mammogram screening. In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, there is a need to evaluate current mammography screening uptake and its predictors, assess women's knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer and screening mammograms and to identify barriers to this preventive service. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six governorates in Jordan through face-to-face interviews on a random sample of women aged 40 to 69 years. Results: A total of 507 participants with mean age of $46.8{\pm}7.8$ years were interviewed. There was low participation rate in early detection of breast cancer practices. Breast self-examination, doctor examination and periodic mammography screening were reported by 34.9%, 16.8% and 8.6% of study participants, respectively. Additionally 3.8% underwent breast cancer screening at least once but not periodically, while 87.6% had never undergone mammography screening. Reported reasons for conducting the screening were: perceived benefit (50%); family history of breast cancer (23.1%); perceived severity (21.2%); and advice from friend or family member (5.8%). City residents have shown higher probability of undergoing mammogram than those who live in towns or villages. Results revealed negative perceptions and limited knowledge of study participants on breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The most commonly reported barriers for women who never underwent screening were: fear of results (63.8%); no support from surrounding environment (59.7); cost of the test (53.4%); and religious belief, i.e. Qadaa Wa Qadar (51.1%). Conclusions: In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, the uptake of this preventive service is very low. It is essential for the country of Jordan to work on applying regular systematic mammography screening for breast cancer. Additionally, there is a need for improvement in the current health promotion programmes targeting breast cancer screening. Other areas that could be targeted in future initiatives in this field include access to screening in rural areas and removal of current barriers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.945-952
• /
• 2016

Purpose: To assess knowledge, attitudes and cervical cancer screening behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan women. Materials and Methods: Thai women, aged 25-to-65 years old, having lived in Bangkok for 5 years or more were invited to participate in the study. After signing informed consent, all women were asked to complete a self-questionnaire (Thai language) with literate assistance if needed. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts: (I) demographic data; (II) knowledge about cervical cancer screening; and (III) behavior and attitudes, towards cervical cancer screening. Adequate screening was defined as women who had ${\geq}$two cervical cancer screening tests except women aged 25-30 years who may have only one screening, and the last screen was within 5 year or had had regular screening. Results: Of 4,339 women, there were 1,857 (42.8%) with adequate screening and 2,482 (57.2%) with inadequate screening. Significant factors associated with inadequate screening included age < 45 years, pre-menopausal status, family monthly income <625 USD, no reported sexual intercourse, nulliparous, no knowledge, lack of awareness and poor attitudes. Three major reasons provided by women for inadequate screening were no symptoms (54.4%), fear of pain (33.2%), and embarrassment (34.6%). Conclusions: Personal features, knowledge, and attitudes influence screening behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan women. The three most common reasons of women for not undergoinging screening are no symptoms, fear of pain, and embarrassment. These factors should be the focus of attention to improve coverage of cervical cancer screening in Bangkok.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.6041-6048
• /
• 2013

Background: Japanese women in their 40s or older have been encouraged to attend breast cancer screening. However, the breast cancer screening rate in Japan is not as high as in Europe and the United States. The aim of this study was to identify psychological and personal characteristics of women concerning their participation in breast cancer screening using the Health Belief Model (HBM). In addition, the attributes of screening more easily accepted by participants were analyzed by conjoint analysis. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study of 3,200 age 20-69 women, data were collected by an anonymous questionnaire. Questions were based on HBM and personal characteristics, and included attitudes on hypothetical screening attributes. Data of women aged 40-69 were analyzed by logistic regression and conjoint analysis to clarify the factors affecting their participation in breast cancer screening. Results: Among responses collected from 1,280 women of age 20-69, the replies of 993 women of age 40-69 were used in the analysis. Regarding the psychological characteristics based on HBM, the odds ratios were significantly higher in "importance of cancer screening" (95%CI: 1.21-2.47) and "benefits of cancer screening" (95%CI: 1.09-2.49), whereas the odds ratio was significantly lower in "barriers to participation before cancer screening" (95%CI: 0.27-0.51). Conjoint analysis revealed that the respondents, overall, preferred screening to be low cost and by female staff members. Furthermore, it was also clarified that attributes of screening dominant in decision-making were influenced by the employment status and the type of medical insurance of the women. Conclusions: In order to increase participation in breast cancer screening, it is necessary to disseminate accurate knowledge on cancer screening and to reduce barriers to participation. In addition, the attributes of screening more easily accepted were inexpensive, provided by female staff, executed in a hospital and finished in a short time.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.91-109
• /
• 2003

The importance of repeat screening for stomach cancer is well known to decrease deaths from stomach cancer. This study was aimed at assessing practice behaviors and to identify related factors in the aspects of demographic factors, health status and cancer risk recognition, attitude to cancer screening, health behaviors, and inhibiting or facilitating factors to stomach cancer screening in an urban area. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires from 403 people aged 40 to 69 years from April 23th to May 15th, 2002. Practice behaviors were classified as : "ever" or "never", and "repeat" or "not repeat" grouped based on a recent 5 year screening history. The results were as follows: 1. Among the 403 subjects: "the ever group" was 23.8% and "the repeat group" was 4.0%, The rates of screening were 20.5% for men, 27.8% for those women, and 27.3% for aged 40-49, 24.5% for those aged 50-59, 19.0% for those aged 60-69. The rates of repeat screening were 4.0% for men, 4.1% for women, and 2.9% for those aged 40-49, 6.3% for aged 50-59, 2.5% for those aged 60-69. 2. The main factors associated with adherence to gastric cancer screening were education(post high school vs below : OR=2.44), previous cancer screening(yes vs no : OR=2.61), belief in personal health(no vs yes : OR=2.72), health status(unhealthy vs healthy : OR=3.40), possibility of cancer compared to others(low vs not low : OR=2.56), and regular exercise(yes vs no : OR=2.94). The main factor associated with adherence to gastric cancer repeat screening was other cancer screening(yes vs no : OR=6.33). Consequently, there is a need to change the recognition of the importance and necessity of stomach cancer screening in healthy conditions through health education, and to perform multiple screening tests each visit.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.33-48
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to find the strategies of mental health screening in school. Based on the literature review, we discuss the importance of screening students in schools for mental health problems. Methods: Data from the 2008 Korean Mental Health Screening in Schools(2008-KMHSS) are used to estimate the outline of this screening. We administered the questionnaire for satisfaction of 2008-KMHSS for students(N=1,280), parents(N=2,672), school nurses(N=75), teachers(N=685), district personnels(N=6), and mental health center staffs(N=37). Also we interviewed a part of them by telephone and e-mail. And we reviewed the tools and methods for screening students for emotional/behavioral problems. Results: Mental health screening in schools is a very important, yet worrisome, agenda that is in its very early stages. From the 2008 Korean Mental Health Screening in Schools, 9,588 students(12.9%) needed more evaluation in the first stage. Of these, 6,910(72.1%) completed the second stage screening. In this sample, 1,975(28.6%) utilized the mental health services in school or community. 38.3% of students and 43.7% of their parents notified the 2008-KMHSS. But only 12.1% of students and 10.9% of their parents dissatisfied with the screening. 9.9% of teachers and 22.7% of school nurses dissatisfied with the screening. Among them the school nurses were mostly dissatisfied, and they complained work burden from KMHSS. Mental health center staffs complained similar issues. The Children's Problem-behavior Screening Questionnaire(CPSQ) and Adolescents' Mental-health & Problem-behavior Screening Questionnaire(AMPQ) were compatible to screen students in schools for mental health problems in first stage. Conclusion: Mental health screening in schools needs careful planning and implementation. For successful mental health screening in schools, several elements need to be considered: careful planning, collaboration, staff training, and integrative mental health programs and services in community or schools.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.63-67
• /
• 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) in addition to mammography affected participant satisfaction in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP). Data were derived from the Quality Evaluation of National Cancer Screening satisfaction survey. This population-based nationwide telephone survey included participants who had been screened by the NCSP for breast cancer between June and August 2010 (n=2,370), and collected information on satisfaction with screening and screening service use. Five multiple regression models were used to determine satisfaction according to screening method, and according to each of five satisfaction measures (pre-screening information transfer, staff interpersonal skills, physical surroundings, reporting of results and general satisfaction). A total of 1,858 (78.4%) participants were screened by mammography alone and 512 (21.6%) by both mammography and CBE. Satisfaction was significantly higher in subjects screened by both mammography and CBE compared with those screened by mammography alone.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.283-287
• /
• 2012

Objective: To explore the participation rates for breast and colorectal cancer screening and identify associated correlates among elderly women. Methods: Logistic regressions were conducted using data collected in 2006 from 1,533 elderly women aged 60 years or above who had completed a screening instrument, the Minimum Data Set-Home Care, while applying for long-term care services at the first time in Hong Kong. Results: The participation rates for breast and colorectal cancer screening among frail older Chinese women were 3.7% and 10.8% respectively. Cognitive status was inversely associated with the likelihood of participation in screening (breast: OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.47-0.94; colon: OR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.66-0.99), as was educational level with the likelihood of participation in breast cancer screening (no formal education: OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.06-0.61, some primary education: OR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.10-1.00). Conclusion: The delivery of cancer preventive health services to frail older women is less than ideal. Cognitive status and educational level were important factors in cancer screening behaviour. Tailor-made strategic promotion programmes targeting older women with low cognitive status and educational levels are needed to enhance awareness and acceptance within this vulnerable group.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.6
• /
• pp.3641-3645
• /
• 2013

Background: Assessment of the nursing staff knowledge, attitude and practices about cervical cancer screening in a tertiary care teaching institute of rural India. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive, interview-based survey was conducted with a pretested questionnaire among 262 staff nurses of a tertiary care teaching and research institute. Results: In this study 77% respondents knew that Pap smear is used for detection of cervical cancer, but less than half knew that Pap smear can detect even precancerous lesions of cervix. Only 23.4% knew human papilloma virus infection as a risk factor. Only 26.7% of the respondents were judged as having adequate knowledge based on scores allotted for questions evaluating knowledge about cervical cancer and screening. Only 17 (7%) of the staff nurses had themselves been screened by Pap smear, while 85% had never taken a Pap smear of a patient. Adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and screening, higher parity and age >30 years were significantly associated with self screening for cervical cancer. Most nurese held a view that Pap test is a doctor procedure, and nearly 90% of nurses had never referred a patient for Pap testing. Conclusions: The majority of nursing staff in rural India may have inadequate knowledge about cervical cancer screening, and their attitude and practices towards cervical cancer screening could not be termed positive.