Mammography Screening Uptake among Female Health Care Workers in Primary Health Care Centers at West Bank: Motivators and Barriers
Date
2016-05-30
Authors
Hisham B. Sholi
Mohammad B. Sholi
Suha B. Sholi
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Abstract
Background: Early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control in terms of outcome and survival. Thus far the only breast cancer screening method proven effective is mammography screening. The awareness of female Health Care Workers (HCW)about breast cancer prevention is of vital importance, as their beliefs and behaviors may have a major impact on other women. This study was designed to assess Mammography Screening uptake among female healthcare workers at primary healthcare centers, and to identify the primary motivators and barriers that affect uptake results.
Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used to assess mammography screening. Two hundred ninety ninefemale healthcare workers completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographics, screening uptake, motivators and barriers.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 46 years old (within age of risk). The majority of the participants (95.1%) demonstrated adequate knowledge about breast cancer and mammography screening. 50% of the participants reported having at least one mammogram; however only 21% of them had regularly scheduled mammograms. The most frequent reported motivator was the perceived benefit that early detection of breast cancer is important for its management (89.6%), followed by the belief that mammography can detect breast cancer before its symptoms appear (84.4%). On the other hand, most frequent barrier reported was being busy (46.7%), followed by the lack of perceived susceptibility (41.5%).
Conclusion:Mammography screening was found to be sub-optimal in a population of HCW’s with 50 % stating that they received a mammogram at least once, and a minorityreported regular screening.There is a pressing need for educational programs aimed at removing the barriers that limit compliance to recommendations for mammography screening, and to emphasis the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of screening services, particularly for healthcare workers within their work settings are other important factors that would improve the acceptance and compliance for mammography screening programs.
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Keywords
Mammography Screening; Health Care works; Uptake; Palestine