Predictors of Mammography Uptake Among Italian Women Aged 50 –69: a Cross-sectional Study

AbstractScreening coverage is of concern in several countries, including Italy. The aim of the study is to assess predictors of participation in the mammography screening program at the Local Health Unit RMA (Rome, Italy). A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to randomly selected eligible women. The study population was interviewed by the personnel of the health center. Five hundred two women were interviewed, of which 264(52.6%) have attended the breast cancer screening program at least once. The attendees received the invitation letter more often than the non-attendees (88.3% vs. 77.7%;p = 0.002) and were more willing to participate (85.6% vs. 69.3%;p <  0.001). Employees were more among the non-attendees of the screening program (66% vs. 52.3%;p = 0.002). Age over-61 (OR = 2.75; 95%CI 1.84–4.09), receiving the invitation letter (OR = 2.54; 95%CI = 1.52–4.24), and intention to participate (OR = 3.09; 95%CI = 1.94–4.91) were significantly associated with participation in the screening program. Although the invit ation rate of the Local Health Unit RMA has improved in recent years, the mammography uptake rate remains very low. The presence of opportunistic screening activities, younger age, and low educational status could explain the low participation rates. Organizational barriers (e.g., screening hours co inciding with work hours, screening facilities located far away) may also limit participation. Major efforts should b...
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research