KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIORAL ATTITUDES OF THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANS REGARDING THE NATIONAL CANCER SCREENING...

Population-based cancer screening programs are a key component of cancer control strategies. In Georgia, national screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer are available; however, population participation remains low. Primary health care (PHC) physicians play a central role in promoting screening uptake, yet evidences on their attitudes, practices are limited.

To assess knowledge, attitudes, screening practices, system and patient-related barriers among primary health care physicians in Georgia.

A nationwide cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among urban and rural (PHC) physicians using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models, while open-ended responses were analyzed thematically.

Overall support for cancer screening among PHC physicians was very high. Nearly all respondents considered screening to be preventive, safe, and beneficial, and most reported routinely recommending screening to asymptomatic patients. Physician attitudes did not represent a barrier to screening implementation. Multivariable analysis identified region of practice as the strongest predictor of perceived consultation time sufficiency, with physicians in urban settings reporting significantly greater time constraints. Thematic analysis revealed that low population awareness, fear of diagnosis, access and transportation barriers, and weak coordination between primary care and screening services were the dominant challenges.

The study findings confirm that interventions should focus on improving organizational processes, strengthening communication, enhancing access to services, increasing public awareness, and supporting the professional development of primary health care (PHC) physicians.