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

Carmen W. H. Chan, Kai Chow Choi, Rosa S. Wong, Ka Ming Chow, Winnie K. W. So, Doris Y. P. Leung, Wendy W. T. Lam and William Goggins
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Carmen W. H. Chan: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Kai Chow Choi: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Rosa S. Wong: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Ka Ming Chow: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Winnie K. W. So: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Doris Y. P. Leung: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Wendy W. T. Lam: School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
William Goggins: School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2016, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Under-screening may increase the risk of cervical cancer in middle-aged women. This study aimed to investigate cervical cancer screening behaviour and its predictors among women aged 50 years or above. A population-based sample of 959 women was recruited by telephone from domestic households in Hong Kong, using random methods, and a structured questionnaire developed to survey participants. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the factors independently associated with cervical screening behaviour. Nearly half the sample (48%) had never had a cervical smear test. Multivariable analyses showed that age, educational level, marital status, family history of cancer, smoking status, use of complementary therapy, recommendation from health professionals, and believing that regular visits to a doctor or a Chinese herbalist were good for their health were predictors of cervical screening behaviour. Misconceptions concerned with menopause may reduce women’s perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, especially if they are 50 or above, and exert a negative effect on their screening behaviour. Healthcare professionals should actively approach these high-risk groups–older unmarried women, smokers, those less educated and who are generally not much concerned with their health.

Keywords: cervical cancer; screening behaviour; protection motivation theory; Chinese women; population-based study; menopause (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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