Correlates of cervical cancer screening among women in Taiwan.
In this study we examine several theory-based psychosocial factors on cervical cancer screening among Chinese women in Taiwan (N = 125). The reliabilities of the scales showed good internal consistence (Chronbach alpha ranged from 0.68 to 0.88). We found that 30% of the women had never received a Papanicolaou (Pap) test, and only 58% reported a screening in the past 3 years (adherent). Intention to have a Pap test in the coming year was higher among screening adherence women (90%) than nonadherents (58%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between screening adherence and women's knowledge (p = 0.034), perceived pros (p = 0.041), cons (p = 0.000), and norms (p = 0.019) of a Pap test. In addition to identifying screening associated factors, we also provided a basis for measuring important theory-based constructs. Although we developed some scale items for Chinese culture, data showed that psychosocial factors were universally relevant. Future intervention efforts tailoring these factors could potentially impact cancer screening for women internationally.
Hou
Su-I
SI
University of Georgia, College of Education, School of Health and Human Performance, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, 309 Ramsey Student Center, Athens, GA 30602-6522, USA. shou@coe.uga.edu
Fernandez
Maria E
ME
Baumler
Elizabeth
E
Parcel
Guy S
GS
Chen
Pai-Ho
PH
D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013624:Taiwan; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health