Uptake of breast screening and associated factors among Hong Kong women aged ≥50 years: a population-based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the uptake of breast screening and its associated factors among Hong Kong Chinese women aged ≥50 years. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based survey. METHODS: A sample of Hong Kong Chinese women was recruited through telephone random-digit dialling. The survey consisted of six sections: perceived health status, use of complementary medicine, uptake of breast screening, perceived susceptibility to cancer, family history of cancer and demographic data. The factors associated with uptake of breast screening were analysed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 1002 women completed the (anonymous) telephone survey. The mean age was 63.5 (standard deviation 10.6) years. The uptake rate of breast screening among Hong Kong Chinese women aged ≥50 years was 34%. The primary reasons for undertaking breast screening were as part of a regular medical check-up (74%), prompted by local signs and symptoms (11%) and a physician's recommendation (7%). Higher educational level, married or cohabiting, family history of cancer, frequent use of complementary therapies, regular visits to a doctor or Chinese herbalist, and the recommendation of a health professional were all independently and significantly associated with increased odds of having had a mammogram. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides community-based evidence of the need for public health policy to promote broader use of mammography services among this target population, with emphasis on the active involvement of health care professionals, through the development and implementation of appropriate evidence-based and resource-sensitive strategies.

Knowledge, attitudes and commitment toward organ donation among nursing students in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Organ donation is the major component for transplant programs; however, the rate of organ donation is relatively low in Asia. Therefore, understanding the attitude and knowledge of individuals that affect their willingness to commit as an organ donor is crucial to develop effective educational programs that raise public awareness and commitment toward organ donation. The current study aims to identify the knowledge level, attitude, and commitment toward organ donation among nursing students in a local university. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to all full-time nursing students of undergraduate and master programs in a university at Hong Kong. RESULTS: A total of 362 students completed the questionnaire, including 87 males and 257 females. The mean age of the students was 22.6 years. A total of 147 students (40.6%) had registered for organ donation. Students on average could correctly answer 23.7 out of 33 questions (71.8%) regarding their knowledge on organ donation and transplantation. With regard to attitude toward organ donation, students obtained a mean score of 70.2. Univariate analysis revealed that year of study, religion, and attitude were significantly associated with commitment toward organ donation. In logistic regression analysis, year of study (odds ratio [OR] for year 2, 1.961, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.006-3.824; OR for year 3, 6.915, 95% CI, 2.835-16.868; and OR for year 4, 4.845, 95% CI, 2.071-11.334) and attitude (OR, 1.087, 95% CI, 1.049-1.126) were significantly associated with commitment toward donation after adjusting the age, gender, and study program. CONCLUSION: Attitude and year of study were strongly correlated with commitment toward organ donation; therefore, educational or promotional materials should be provided to improve the attitude of students toward organ donation.

Colorectal cancer screening behaviour and associated factors among Chinese aged 50 and above in Hong Kong - a population-based survey.

PURPOSE: This study reports the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening among Chinese people aged 50 or above and the identified factors associated with the likelihood of undergoing such screening. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong during the period 2 to 28 May 2007. The survey covered demographics, perceived health status and susceptibility to cancer, utilisation of complementary medicine, family history of cancer and cancer screening behaviour. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 2004 Hong Kong Chinese residents aged 50 or older (response rate = 66.6%). The uptake rate of a fecal occult blood test and a colonoscopy was 12% and 19% respectively. Factors associated with colorectal cancer screening behaviour included: male participants, ex-smokers, with cancer or other serious disease, a family history of cancer, perceived health status fair or poor, regular visits to a doctor to look after health, and utilisation of complementary medicine. CONCLUSIONS: The uptake rate of this study population was low though an increasing trend did appear. Heath education and promotion programmes may focus on these identified factors to facilitate colorectal cancer screening in a Chinese population.