Motivation for Attendance and Absence From Cervical Screening Among Low-Educated People in Somogy County, Hungary

OBJECTIVES: Cervical is the fourth most common cancer affecting women globally. It may be prevented through screening, and screening programmes are available; however, women's willingness to participate is low. Our aim was to assess the reasons for absence among those with low educational attainment and to identify possible motivating factors that could increase screening participation.

METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using non-random, purposive sampling among women aged 25-65 with permanent residence in Somogy County (N=110). Our survey was conducted both online and on paper, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. It included groups of questions related to socio-demographic factors, cervical screening, general doctor-visiting habits, factors determining absenteeism, and motivation. We applied descriptive (mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum) and mathematical statistics (χ² test, t-test) for data analysis with a 95% confidence level (p<0.05), using Microsoft Excel 2016.

RESULTS: Knowledge on cervical cancer is significantly higher among women aged 30-49 (p<0.03) and those living in urban areas (p=0.038). General doctor-visiting habits determine women's attendance at cervical screenings (p=0.002). Participants are motivated by literacy of cervical cancer risk factors (50%), the sense of their own health and responsibility for their children (57%) encourage them to attend screenings. The main reason for absenteeism is the lack of symptoms (55%).

CONCLUSIONS: It is key to maintain enthusiastic and continuous execution of screening tests among those with low educational attainment. A crucial step in increasing participation rates is the broader dissemination of knowledge and the dispelling of fears related to screening.