Women’s attitudes towards healthy life awareness and breast cancer screening during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Background In the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of coronavirus infection has caused individuals to hesitate to access medical services and postpone their participation in diagnostic and screening programs. With this research, it was aimed to examine the relationship between women’s wellness awareness and attitudes towards breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The descriptive cross-sectional type research was conducted between 30 January 2021 and 30 July 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 396 women between the ages of 40 and 69 who were in the breast cancer screening population under national cancer screening standards and met the criteria for inclusion. The data of the study were collected using a web-based and self-reported questionnaire, Personal Information Form, Healthy Life Awareness Scale and Cancer Screening Attitude Scale. Results It was determined that more than half of women postponed breast cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reasons for the postponement were often fear of contamination. It was determined that there was a relationship between the participants’ awareness of healthy living and their attitudes towards cancer screening (P < 0.05). Conclusion It was found that approximately two out of every three women in the screening population during the pandemic did not have screening or postponed it due to fear of contamination. It was determined that women who had awareness of healthy living and had breast cancer screening before the pandemic had a positive attitude towards cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Attitudes toward cancer screening in regional Japan during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An anonymous survey

“…[2][3][4]18 in such a way that physical distancing can be maintained, prevent crowding, introduce an appointment system, individually assess COVID-19 symptoms before the examination, conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 detection, and perform sterilization and disinfection treatments at regular intervals. 19 It has been reported that making the screening environment safe for those who do not undergo screening or delay it due to fear of infection can increase their willingness to participate in the screening process. 13,18 Currently, a survey regarding people's plans to receive cancer screening in 2021 has shown a decrease in fear of COVID-19 infection and an increase in the number of people who want to receive it.…”

“…This is reflected in the results of an awareness survey, which found that individual and workplace examinations are preferred over group examinations, which carry a relatively high risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to install personal protective equipment in examination rooms, arrange waiting rooms in such a way that physical distancing can be maintained, prevent crowding, introduce an appointment system, individually assess COVID‐19 symptoms before the examination, conduct rapid tests for COVID‐19 detection, and perform sterilization and disinfection treatments at regular intervals 19 . It has been reported that making the screening environment safe for those who do not undergo screening or delay it due to fear of infection can increase their willingness to participate in the screening process 13,18 .…”

“…Previous studies highlight the influence of individuals' health literacy and behaviors on their disease prevention practices 13,20 . It has been observed that individuals with higher health literacy and positive health behaviors have significantly lower risks of chronic diseases, mortality, and morbidity compared to those lacking such awareness 19 . Additionally, several studies have reported that health literacy promotes a positive attitude toward screening 10–12 .…”

“…Previous studies have also shown a relationship between individuals' health literacy and their attitudes toward cancer screening in a pandemic. Women who have adequate health literacy and had uptake breast cancer screening prior to the pandemic were found to have a more positive attitude toward cancer screening during the pandemic 19 . It is important to promote awareness‐raising activities to foster positive attitudes toward cancer screening and encourage participation in screening.…”

“… 13 , 20 It has been observed that individuals with higher health literacy and positive health behaviors have significantly lower risks of chronic diseases, mortality, and morbidity compared to those lacking such awareness. 19 Additionally, several studies have reported that health literacy promotes a positive attitude toward screening. 10 , 11 , 12 These findings are consistent with the results of our study, suggesting that individuals who undergo regular cancer screening and have a high level of health literacy are more likely to continue to undergo screening even during the COVID‐19 pandemic.…”