Predictors of regular gastric cancer screening among Koreans

This study analyzed stages of adoption of gastric cancer screening and explored relationships with the processes of change, pros, cons, and self-efficacy in an effort to assess the barriers to and facilitators of regular gastric cancer screening.

The study sample consisted of 650 participants who were at least 40 years old, had no history of cancer, and resided in two urban areas in Korea. Stages of adoption, processes of changes, pros and cons of screening, and self-efficacy were recorded from January 12 to February 16, 2009. Data were assessed by analysis of variance and logistic regression.

The stage of adoption was determined for 650 respondents, of whom 52 were in the precontemplation stage (8.0%), 209 in the contemplation stage (32.0%), 52 in the action stage (8.0%), and 337 in the maintenance stage (51.8%). Those who underwent regular gastric cancer screening were more committed, more willing to participate in the healthcare system, perceived fewer cons of screening, reported a greater self-efficacy, and perceived gastric cancer risk as moderate.

Our findings should be helpful for the development of intervention strategies designed to improve recognition of the importance of cancer screening and encourage Koreans to undergo regular screening for gastric cancer.