Mammography Screening in Rural Crete: Women's and Physicians' Perspectives
Author Information
Author(s): Trigoni Maria, Griffiths Frances, Tsiftsis Dimitris, Koumantakis Eugenios, Green Eileen, Lionis Christos
Primary Institution: University of Crete
Hypothesis
What factors influence the uptake of mammography screening among middle-aged women in rural Crete?
Conclusion
Women are inhibited from participating in mammography screening in rural Crete, but improved access and physician recommendations may help.
Supporting Evidence
- Most women reported poor knowledge of mammography benefits.
- Physicians noted scheduling difficulties as a barrier to screening.
- Distance and transportation issues were common concerns for women.
Takeaway
Many women in rural Crete don't go for breast cancer checks because they think they don't need to unless they feel sick, and they often trust their doctors to tell them when to go.
Methodology
Semi-structured individual interviews with 30 women and 28 primary care physicians.
Potential Biases
Participants may have exaggerated their enthusiasm for mammography due to the study setting.
Limitations
The study's qualitative nature and small sample size limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 45-65, mean age 54.6; physicians aged 30-60, mean age 44.7.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website