ICPHSP4004 

                                                                                                         

“Cervical Cancer prevention among women in Vlora city: the influence of fear-related to possible positive outcomes”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Click here to download Pdf file.

 

Authors:      

1*Fatjona Kamberi RN, MSN, PhD Candidate,

2*Gjergji Theodhosi MD, Prof., Dr.,

2*Vjollca Ndreu RN, MSN, PhD candidate,

2*Enkeleda Sinaj RN, MSN, PhD candidate,

1*Yllka Bilushi MD, PhD , Ass. Prof.,

3*Leonard Kamberi MD, PhD.

                   

Affiliations:

1*Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University ‘Ismail Qemali’ Vlora, Albania

2*Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania

3*Vlora Regional Hospital.

 

 

Abstract:

 

Background

Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, but worldwide it is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. Cervical cancer, in Albania ranks as the 3rd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age (1).

Objective

Different factors have been shown to affect women’s participation in cervical cancer screening (2.3.4). The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of fear and anxiety related to outcome and Pap test uptake.

Material & Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2015 in Vlore city. Univariate analyses, cross-tabulations and linear regression were used to analyze the data collected using self-administered questionnaire among 313 women with different socio-demographic background.

Results

The barrier of fear-related to possible positive outcomes was present in all women. Fear and anxiety related to Pap examination outcome, n=202 (64.56%) 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 58.93-69.78) were associated with Pap examination uptake, p=0007. 63.95% (n=200), [95% CI] 58.28-69.17) of women don`t speak freely about cancer. Also, 87.22% (n=273), [95% CI] 82.89-90.61) of women report to be very frightened if their examination revealed positive.

Conclusion

Recognition of general and individual barriers of fear factors and anxiety to cervical screening by health professionals in clinical practice will increase women’s access to, and acceptance of cervical screening among employed Vlora women.

 

Key words:

Fear, anxiety ,outcome, cervical cancer, barriers, screening, Pap examination.

 

 

References:

• American Cancer Society. Global Cancer Facts & Figures 3rd Edition. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2015.

• Massat NJ, Douglas E, Waller J, Wardle J, Duffy SW. Variation in cervical and breast cancer screening coverage in England: a cross-sectional analysis to characterise districts with atypical behaviour. BMJ Open. 2015 July 24;5(7):e007735. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007735. PubMed PMID: 26209119; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4521532.

• Labeit A, Peinemann F, Kedir A. Cervical cancer screening service utilisation in UK. Sci Rep. 2013;3:2362. doi: 10.1038/srep02362. PubMed PMID: 23917486; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3734438

• Stewart R, Thistlethwaite J. Pap tests--what do women expect? Aust Fam Physician. 2010 Oct;39(10):775-8. PubMed PMID: 20890481.