ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cancer screening can improve outcomes in patients with cancer. Accordingly, under the direction of the National Health Insurance program, the Taiwan government conducts screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the primary predictors of cancer screening intention and behavior at 1 and 6 months after patients are provided information and an invitation by telephone to attend cancer screenings. METHODS: In this prospective longitudinal study, 339 participants meeting the screening criteria were recruited. At baseline, telephone interviews were used to collect information on demographic characteristics, exercise and smoking habits, family cancer history, screening beliefs, and screening intention. Screening behavior was followed up at 1 and 6 months after the telephone interviews. RESULTS: At baseline, 87.02% of the participants intended to undergo screening, and 31.86% and 63.42% had undergone screening after 1 and 6 months, respectively. The predictors of screening intention were awareness of the screening policy, willingness to learn about screening, and believing in the health benefits of screening. The predictor of screening behavior after 1 month was screening intention at baseline, and the predictors of behavior after 6 months were screening intention, marital status, and belief that cancer is a hereditary disease. CONCLUSION: Adults with screening intention tended to undergo cancer screenings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The use of strategies based on screening intention, beliefs, and information can be used to improve participation in cancer screening in Taiwan.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Colorectal Neoplasms , Mouth Neoplasms , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Adult , Female , Humans , Early Detection of Cancer , Intention , Taiwan , Prospective Studies , Longitudinal Studies , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control , Mouth Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mouth Neoplasms/prevention & control , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mass ScreeningABSTRACT
Background: Breastfeeding benefits both mothers and infants. Even though Taiwan national policy promotes exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), the rates in Taiwan are below those in other developed countries. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with EBF cessation at 1 and 2 months postpartum. Methods: This study was conducted in a community hospital in southern Taiwan between December 2016 and June 2017. Birth mothers (n = 1077) were interviewed by telephone at 1 and 2 months postpartum to collect information on infant feeding patterns (EBF since birth or not) and reasons for EBF cessation. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors associated with EBF cessation at 1 and 2 months. Results: At 1 month, 432 participants (40.1%) maintained EBF. Factors associated with cessation were lack of tertiary education, primiparity, perceived low milk quantity, mother/infant separation, medical condition in mother, inconvenience/fatigue due to breastfeeding, and baby-centered factors. At 2 months, 316 participants (29.3%) maintained EBF. Factors associated with cessation were lack of tertiary education, primiparity, perceived low milk quantity, and return to work. Conclusions: Education level, primiparity, perceived low milk quantity, and return to work are associated with premature cessation of EBF in Taiwan. Strategies about health education, family support, and baby-mother friendly environment can be used to achieve higher EBF rate.
