Factors Related to Cancer Screening in Rural Elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the cancer screening rate of rural elderly. The subjects of the study were a total of 124 elderly people aged 65 years or older among residents of Y-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, according to the national cancer screening criteria of the national cancer screening project. As for the research method, data were collected using structured questionnaires, and the collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean ,standard deviation, X2-test, t-test, and multiple logistic regression statistical techniques. As a result of the study, the factors influencing the cancer screening rate were higher as education level, family composition, lower behavioral control, behavioral attitude, and screening intention were higher. In order to increase the rate of cancer screening, it is necessary to identify the obstacles to cancer screening and to understand the need for cancer screening in order to increase the cancer screening rate. Education programs centered on the elderly who can recognize and participate on their own should be activated. If a system that lowers barriers to cancer screening such as accessibility to screening institutions for the elderly in rural areas is developed and well applied, while active publicity and policy factors for improving health behavior are considered, the cancer screening rate can be increased.