FACTORS INFLUENCING CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN TAIWANESE WOMEN: USE OF ADAY AND ANDERSEN'S ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE MODEL (CHINA).
Contributors: Indiana University School of Nursing.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 397
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Public Health.; Women's Studies.
Description: Uterine cervix cancer is the most common site of cancer in Taiwanese women, accounting for 26% of all female cancers and 9% of all cancer mortality. The purpose of this study was to test whether utilization of Pap smear test was related to certain characteristics of population-at-risk, women's knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer and Pap test, and women's satisfaction with past Pap tests. The Aday and Andersen's Access to Medical Care model and Health Belief Model provided the framework for variable selection.

Sample women, randomly selected from Taipei telephone directories, were married or had been married, were less than 65 years old, and had not been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Five hundred and fifteen women responded to the questionnaires (response rate = 49.76%).

Even though 69.1% of the women had been screened for cervical cancer before, only 20% had at least one test in the previous three years. The mean number of Pap tests were 3.98, 1.85, and 1.29 for last 20, 10 and 5 years, respectively. With only 30.1% of the women having a regular physician and only 42.2% receiving a recommendation to routinely have a Pap test, the utilization rate for cervical cancer screening in Taiwan is low.

Age and educational level were predisposing variables persistently influencing utilization of Pap smear. Women perceiving fewer barriers and having more social influence were more likely to utilize Pap test. Knowledge was positively associated with frequency of use. Among the enabling factors, presence of regular physician was the most significant predictor influencing utilization. Income level was positively associated with almost all of dependent variables. Women with providers' recommendations for Pap tests were found to not only having been screened, but to be more adherent to cervical screening guidelines.

Health care providers need to reinforce the need for Pap tests during routine health visits. Health policy should minimize barriers to women's access to Pap test and allocate resources to implement and evaluate cancer screening campaigns.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-10, Section: B, page: 5413.

Thesis (D.N.S.)--INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING, 1995.

School code: 0815.