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Mobile breast screening: factors affecting uptake, efforts to increase response and acceptability
D C Haiart1, L McKenzie, J Henderson
1Department of Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Public Health
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Mobile breast screening in rural areas had low uptake, particularly among older women. Personal invitations by general practitioners significantly improved response rates, showing this method
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Rural Health
Background:
- Assessing the feasibility of mobile breast screening in rural settings.
- Investigating factors influencing screening uptake and acceptability.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate secondary objectives of a 1986 breast screening project.
- Identify barriers and facilitators for mobile breast cancer screening uptake.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of response rates to opportunistic screening.
- Statistical correlation of demographic and socioeconomic factors with uptake.
- Comparison of different invitation strategies (leaflet drops vs. personal GP invitation).
Main Results:
- Overall opportunistic screening uptake was low (24.2%), with lower rates in older women.
- Distance was the most significant barrier; car/house ownership correlated with higher uptake.
- Leaflet drops were ineffective; personal GP invitations achieved a 75% response rate in non-attenders (aged 50-64).
Conclusions:
- Mobile breast screening is feasible but faces uptake challenges in rural areas.
- Targeted interventions, like personal invitations, are crucial for improving screening participation.
- Screening was found to be convenient and acceptable by those who attended.