Factors affecting cancer screening perception in Turkish women

The role of health literacy

Bibliographic Data

ID22945410
AuthorsŞafak Kıran (0000-0003-4805-0464, Department of Health Management, Karadeniz Technical University , Ortahisar, Trabzon 61080 , Turkey, corresponding author), Ferit Sevim (0000-0001-6935-9650, Department of Health Management, Karadeniz Technical University , Ortahisar, Trabzon 61080 , Turkey), Duygu Ürek (0000-0001-6471-5601, Department of Health Management, Karadeniz Technical University , Ortahisar, Trabzon 61080 , Turkey), Osman Senol (0000-0001-5626-2921, Department of Health Management, Karadeniz Technical University , Ortahisar, Trabzon 61080 , Turkey)
Year2024
Volume39
Issue3
Publication date2024-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daae053
PMID38842148
OpenAlexW4399386660
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited32

It is suggested that individuals with limited health literacy have less awareness about cancer and screening methods. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the relationship between cancer screening perception and health literacy levels among women. This study investigates the determinants of cancer screening perceptions in Turkish women, with a particular emphasis on the influence of health literacy. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study involved 428 women aged 18–69. Data were collected via online questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to assess the effects of distinct variables on cancer screening perceptions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to validate and ensure reliability. The results indicated that the constructed hierarchical regression model explicated around 10% of the variance in cancer screening perceptions. Among the various factors examined, health literacy emerged as the most potent predictor of screening perceptions. Individuals possessing higher health literacy demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward cancer screening. Additionally, age surfaced as another notable determinant, with advanced age correlating positively with awareness and receptiveness to screening. This research reveals the pivotal role of health literacy in shaping how Turkish women perceive cancer screening. While a few factors have an impact, the study highlights the urgent need to elevate health literacy levels to foster heightened awareness and engagement in cancer screening programs. The study’s findings offer valuable guidance for devising targeted interventions to address disparities in cancer screening perception and participation, particularly among women in low- to middle-income countries such as Turkey.

Cancer · Cancer screening · Confirmatory factor analysis · Environmental health · Family medicine · Health care · Health information · Health Information National Trends Survey · Health literacy · Literacy · Multilevel model · Perception · Political science · Psychological intervention · Structural equation modeling · Turkish · Clinical Psychology · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Medicine · Nursing · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology · Gerontology

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