Health Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Cancer Screenings Among Individuals Attending Family Health Centers: A Cross-Sectional Research

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of individuals’ health perceptions on their attitudes toward cancer screening and to examine the relationship between these two variables.

Method: We implemented a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The sample consisted of 351 adults who applied to a family health center in Muğla, Turkey, between January and August 2025. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Health Perception Scale, and the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. Statistical analyses included descriptive tests, independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.

Results: The mean age of participants was 43.4±13.9 years, and 60.1% had never undergone cancer screening. The average scores were 38.17±8.21 on the Health Perception Scale and 74.64±15.89 on the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. A significant positive correlation was found between health perception and attitudes toward cancer screening (r=0.350, p<0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that health perception explained 12.3% of the variance in screening attitudes. Participants with knowledge about cancer or screening methods had significantly higher health perception scores (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in screening attitudes by gender, age, or chronic disease status.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that health perception is a key determinant of attitudes toward cancer screening. Interventions that strengthen health literacy, enhance awareness, and reduce psychosocial barriers could increase participation in screening programs. Educational initiatives and support interventions delivered through family health centers may play an essential role in promoting early detection and improving community health outcomes.

Keywords

• Health perception
• cancer screening
• attitude
• family health center
• nursing

Ethical Statement

The study was conducted with the approval of the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Istanbul Aydın University (Date: December 25, 2024; Decision No: 136/2024). During data collection, personally identifiable information such as names and surnames was not recorded, and all data were analyzed anonymously. The research was carried out in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the ‘Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

Our sincere thanks go to the volunteers who participated in this research.

Aile Sağlığı Merkezine Başvuran Bireylerin Sağlık Algıları ve Kanser Taramalarına Yönelik Tutumları

Abstract

Amaç: Bu araştırma, bireylerin sağlık algılarının kanser taramalarına yönelik tutumları üzerindeki etkisini ve bu iki değişken arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır.

Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı, kesitsel ve ilişki arayıcı tipteki araştırma Ocak–Ağustos 2025 tarihleri arasında Muğla’da bir aile sağlığı merkezine başvuran 351 kişi ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler, Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Sağlık Algısı Ölçeği ve Kanser Taramasına Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır.

Bulgular: Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 43,42±13,90’dır. Katılımcıların %60,1’i daha önce hiç kanser taraması yaptırmamıştır. Sağlık algısı ve kanser taramasına yönelik tutum arasında pozitif yönlü anlamlı bir ilişki saptanmıştır (r=0,350; p <0,001). Regresyon analizine göre sağlık algısı, tutum puanlarındaki varyansın %12,3’ünü açıklamaktadır. Kanser konusunda bilgi sahibi olan bireylerin sağlık algısı puanları anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksektir (p=0,021).

Sonuç: Bulgular, sağlık algısının kanser taramasına yönelik tutumları olumlu yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir. Aile sağlığı merkezlerinde uygulanacak eğitim programları, farkındalık çalışmaları ve psikososyal destek müdahaleleri, kanser tarama programlarına katılımı artırmada önemli katkı sağlayabilir.

Keywords

• Sağlık algısı
• kanser taraması
• tutum
• aile sağlığı merkezi
• hemşirelik

Ethical Statement

Çalışma, İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi Girişimsel Olmayan Klinik Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu'nun 25 Aralık 2024 tarihli ve 136/2024 sayılı onayı ile yürütülmüştür. Veri toplama sürecinde ad, soyad gibi kişisel bilgiler kayıt altına alınmamış, tüm veriler anonim olarak analiz edilmiştir. Kişilerden Bilgilendirilmiş Olur Formu ile yazılı ve sözlü izin alınmıştır. Araştırma, Helsinki Bildirgesi'nde belirtilen etik ilkelere uygun olarak yürütülmüştür.

Thanks

Bu araştırmaya katılan gönüllülere içten teşekkürlerimizi sunarız.

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