Socioeconomic status index is an independent determinant of breast cancer screening practices: Evidence from Eastern China

Abstract

Background Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy affecting Chinese women, and early routine screening is incredibly important for its prevention and control. This study aimed to investigate the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in female breast cancer screening practices using the composite SES index. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 1816 women in Eastern China. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire from January 2020 to May 2021. We used principal component analysis to construct the composite SES index using educational level, annual household income, and occupation. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the SES index and breast cancer screening utilization. Results Of the participants, 19.27% reported having performed breast self-examination, 12.89% reported having undergone clinical breast examination, and 3.52% reported having received mammography. The SES has a significant influence on the patronage of female breast cancer screening in Eastern China. The composite SES index was found to have a positive and significant association with breast cancer screening practices. An interaction was found between the SES index and patient characteristics, such as health awareness, marital status, and location of residence. In addition, the SES index had a positive effect on breast cancer-related knowledge. Conclusions Socioeconomic inequalities existed in Eastern China and were related to breast cancer screening patronage. The composite SES index was identified as a significant determinant of breast cancer screening practices. Our results highlighted the negative impacts of socioeconomic inequities on female breast cancer screening utilization. This suggests that reducing socioeconomic inequalities in breast cancer screening requires more focused interventions and concerted outreach activities for groups with lower education levels, lower income, or lower occupational classes.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward ultrasound screening for breast cancer among women

“…The individuals also have the feeling that their socioeconomic status influences their healthcare (44). The same is seen for breast cancer screening, with a higher likelihood of participating in screening in women with a higher socioeconomic status than those with a lower status (45,46). As shown by the SEM analysis and supported by the multivariable analyses, knowledge was also related to attitude, which influenced practice, as supported by the KAP theory, which states that knowledge is the basis for attitude and knowledge, while attitude is the force driving practice (20,21).…”

Assessment of Public Breast Cancer Awareness among Females in Klang Valley, Malaysia

“…The monthly household income was found statistically signi cant and had positive impacts on breast cancer knowledge, similarly ndings were reported in studies conducted in other countries such as China and Pakistan. 21,24 This could be explained by their limited access to health promotion resources and participation in healthpromoting programmes due to the low socioeconomic status. 21,24 The participants overall had a good understanding of the basics of breast cancer.…”

“…21,24 This could be explained by their limited access to health promotion resources and participation in healthpromoting programmes due to the low socioeconomic status. 21,24 The participants overall had a good understanding of the basics of breast cancer. However, the participants were unaware that breast cancer in young women is often more aggressive and more likely to be found at an advanced stage than in older women, many of whom are under the age of 40.…”

Association between Socioecological Status, Nutrient Intake, and Cancer Screening Behaviors in Adults Aged 40 and Over: Insights from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2019)

“…Previous findings indicate differences in screening rates between self-pay screenings and those facilitated by the National Health Insurance Service [20,21]. The cost implication has, unsurprisingly, been identified as a barrier, with higher costs correlating to lower screening rates [22][23][24][25][26][27][28].…”

“…This gap serves as the foundation for our study. Research focusing on disparities in the use of preventive medical services, like cancer screenings, based on income levels is scarce [19,[24][25][26][27]. Moreover, no study to date has probed the potential correlation between dietary habits, a significant social determinant, and cancer screening behaviors [31][32][33].…”