SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL PREDICTORS OF WOMENS CANCER SCREENING PRACTICESIN NORTHERN-IRELAND

The aim of this study was to describe the extent of cancer screening p ractices among women resident in Northern Ireland and to identify the social and behavioural characteristics associated with these practices . The study involved a survey of adults resident in the community in N orthern Ireland. Contact was made with a sample of 1162 residents who were asked to complete a questionnaire about preventive health practic es and attitudes. This produced a response rate of 65.1 per cent. Of t hese, 391 were women who were asked questions about breast self-examin ation (BSE), attendance for cervical screening, and certain social and behavioural factors. Approximately 28 per cent of the women performed BSE regularly, a further 28 per cent performed it occasionally, and t he remainder rarely or not at all. Almost 20 per cent of the women had had a smear test once, 48 per cent several times, and the rest never. Performance of BSE and attendance for smear tests and BSE was more co mmon among those women aged 35-54 years, who were married, worked outs ide the home, and whose religion was Church of Ireland (Anglican). The most frequent reason given for not performing BSE was fear of finding a lump and ignorance of the procedure. The most frequent reason given for non-attendance for a smear test was that it was not thought neces sary at their age. Public health strategies designed to promote cancer screening need to consider the value of directing their campaigns at those who are most reluctant to perform these practices.