Translation and psychometric evaluation of an instrument to assess the health beliefs of Pakistani mothers regarding human papillomavirus vaccination.

Objective: Investigating mothers' health beliefs regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is essential for understanding their decisions regarding vaccinating their daughters against HPV. There is no available validated instrument to measure the health beliefs of Pakistani mothers regarding HPV vaccination for their daughters. The purpose of this study was to translate the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Scale - Health Belief Model (HPVS-HBM) into Urdu and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated Urdu version among Pakistani mothers in Hong Kong. Methods: This was a descriptive correlational study for which a convenience sample of 260 Pakistani women was recruited. The original HPVS-HBM questionnaire was translated from English to Urdu according to Brislin's model. A panel of experts reviewed the translated questionnaire and assessed the content validity of the items and the scale. Face validity was assessed in a sample of five Pakistani mothers, while structural validity was examined by an exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed to evaluate the reliability of the translated instrument. Results: The translated questionnaire demonstrated good face validity and content validity (item-level content validity index: 0.83-1.00; scale-level content validity index: 0.89-1.00). Factor analysis of the 22 items in the scale revealed a three-factor structure (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived benefits), which accounted for 77.66% of the total variance. The translated questionnaire also showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.93-0.98) and acceptable test-retest reliability (weighted kappa: 0.49-0.96; intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.83-0.93). Conclusions: The translated Urdu version of the HPVS-HBM demonstrated desirable psychometric properties, indicating that it could be used as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring Pakistani mothers' health beliefs regarding HPV vaccination for their daughters in Hong Kong.

Corrigendum to "Feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing to promote colorectal cancer screening among average risk Chinese older adults" [Asia-Pacific J Oncol Nurs 10 (2023) 100315].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100315.].

Feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing to promote colorectal cancer screening among average risk Chinese older adults.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing to promote fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uptake among average-risk Chinese older adults and to preliminarily examine its effects on the knowledge level, perceived barriers to and benefits of the FIT, self-efficacy in screening, screening intention and FIT uptake. Methods: A one-group pre-test and post-test study design was adopted. A motivational interviewing intervention using face-to-face and telephone approaches was delivered to average-risk Chinese older adults aged 50-75 years. The number of participants approached, the number eligible for participation and intervention completion, and study retention rates were recorded. The knowledge, perceived benefits of, barriers to, self-efficacy in and intention to participate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening were assessed before and after the intervention. FIT uptake was recorded 3 months after the intervention. Interviews were conducted to record the participants' experiences of participating in the intervention. Results: Twenty Chinese older adults completed the study. The motivational interviewing intervention improved the screening intention, knowledge of CRC and its screening, the perceived benefits of and self-efficacy in screening and perceived barriers to screening. Twelve participants (60%) had undergone FIT screening. Nineteen participants attended the interviews. They were all satisfied with the intervention. Three categories were generated regarding their experience in participating in the intervention, namely, (1) enhanced motivation and self-efficacy in screening, (2) enhanced understanding of the CRC screening program, and (3) areas for intervention improvement. Conclusions: The implementation of a motivational interviewing intervention was feasible and was acceptable to average-risk Chinese older adults. A full-scale study should be conducted in the future. Trial registration: ISRCTN39658070.

Effects of music intervention combined with progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety, depression, stress and quality of life among women with cancer receiving chemotherapy: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Beneficial effects of music intervention and progressive muscle relaxation alone on psychological issues were reported, however, studies evaluating their combined effects are limited. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of music intervention combined with progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety, depression, stress, and quality of life among breast and gynaecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: The study was carried out from March to May 2022 in an oncology hospital in Vietnam. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted among 24 women with breast and gynaecological cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The intervention group (n = 12) received a face-to-face training program about music listening and progressive muscle relaxation skills. They then performed the self-practice daily at home for three weeks. The control group (n = 12) received standard care, including health assessment, regular health advice and nutrition consultation. Ten participants in the intervention group were interviewed with open-ended questions to explore the acceptability of the intervention. Anxiety, depression and stress were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, while The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General was used to evaluate the quality of life. The outcome measurements were collected at baseline (T0), post-intervention (3rd week, T1) and follow-up (6th week, T2). Appropriate descriptive statistics were used to depict the outcome measures across study time points. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were eligible to join, and 20 of them completed the study. Greater reductions in anxiety, depression and stress were observed in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 and T2. Greater improvements on quality of life were found in the intervention group than control group at T1 and T2 with respect to T0. The content analysis supported the acceptable intervention of participants through two themes, perceived beneficial effects on psychological and physical health and willingness to keep practising in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing music intervention combined with progressive muscle relaxation is feasible and had a trend in reducing anxiety, depression and stress levels. A larger scale randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the effect of the intervention on outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with ID: NCT05262621.

A young adult community health advisor-led intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening uptake among South Asians: A feasibility study.

Objective: The present study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a young adult community health advisor (YACHA)-led intervention among South Asians aged between 50 and 75 years in Hong Kong. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to November 2022. Thirty-six eligible participants were randomized to either the YACHA-led intervention (n â€‹= â€‹19) or the control group (n â€‹= â€‹17). The study outcomes were measured at baseline and 4 weeks after baseline. Results: A total of 36 eligible South Asian participants with a mean age of 56.00 years (SD â€‹= â€‹5.53) participated in the study. The consent rate was 100.0%, and the overall dropout rate among the participants was 11.1%. The proposed YACHA-led intervention components were implemented as planned with the intended modality and frequency. More than 90% of the participants showed the acceptance of and satisfaction with a YACHA-led intervention that they received during the month-long process of undergoing colorectal cancer screening. Conclusions: The present study revealed that it was feasible to conduct a YACHA-led intervention to increase the utlization of colorectal cancer screening by eligible South Asians in Hong Kong. A full-scale study should be conducted to reveal its effects and to explore whether the participants would continue their participation in the colorectal cancer screening program and be screened for colorectal cancer annually or biannually, as recommended by the Hong Kong government. Trial registration: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200058241).

Factors affecting HPV vaccine uptake among ethnic minority adolescent girls: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain low among adolescent girls across ethnic minority groups that experience high incidences of HPV-related cervical cancer with poor outcomes. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the factors affecting HPV vaccination among ethnic minority adolescent girls. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were searched from inception to October 17, 2022. Guided by the conceptual model of vaccine hesitancy, the factors affecting HPV vaccine uptake were descriptively synthesized and analyzed using meta-analyses. Results: This review included 14 studies. The pooled uptake rate of at least one dose of HPV vaccine among ethnic minority adolescent girls was only 38% (95% confidence interval â€‹= â€‹0.22, 0.39). At individual level, age of adolescent girls, knowledge of HPV, perceived importance of HPV vaccination, and perceived risk of HPV infection promoted the vaccine uptake. Beliefs in conspiracy theories and lack of trust in the government and HPV vaccine discouraged the utilization. At social and policy levels, health professionals' recommendations, subjective norms, sexuality-related communication, and vaccine policies such as insurance coverage facilitated HPV vaccination. The religious and moral convictions regarding abstinence from sex until marriage negatively influenced the vaccine acceptance. Conclusions: HPV vaccination among ethnic minority adolescent girls was influenced by multi-level factors that highlighted a combined effort, including culturally sensitive health education programmes, sexuality-related communication skills training, collaboration with religious organizations, debunking conspiracy theories in HPV vaccine, and promoting school-based vaccination programs, to increase the coverage. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42022366805.

A multi-modal intervention for managing the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depressed mood symptom cluster in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot study.

Objective: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal intervention for managing the cancer-related fatigue-sleep disturbance-depressed mood (F-S-D) symptom cluster in patients with breast cancer (BC) and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong, and the preliminary effects of such intervention on the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster in these patients. Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Patients with BC scheduled for chemotherapy were recruited. Intervention participants received a weekly nurse-led multi-modal intervention lasting 7 weeks. The feasibility parameters and adverse events were assessed using logbook records. Acceptability was evaluated using a program evaluation questionnaire. F-S-D symptoms and quality of life (QOL) were measured at baseline (T0), upon intervention completion (T1), and 3 months after intervention completion (T2). Generalized estimating equation analyses were used. Results: Fifty participants were enrolled. The eligibility and enrollment rates were 11% and 87.7%, respectively. The rate of adherence to the intervention was 96%. No adverse events were reported. All participants were satisfied with the intervention, which had significant effects in terms of reducing the occurrence of the F-S-D symptom cluster at T2 (P â€‹= â€‹0.035) and improving QOL at T1 and T2 (T1: P â€‹= â€‹0.035; T2: P â€‹= â€‹0.012). Conclusions: The multi-modal intervention is a feasible, acceptable, and safe intervention that demonstrated preliminary positive effects in managing the F-S-D symptom cluster and improving QOL in patients with BC and receiving chemotherapy in Hong Kong. This study provides key insights into F-S-D symptom cluster management in patients with BC. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100047819 (Chinese Clinical Trial Register).

Financial well-being as a mediator of the relationship between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life in people with cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether financial well-being mediates the impact of multimorbidity on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients. METHODS: Participants were recruited from three outpatient oncology clinics of Hong Kong public hospitals. Multimorbidity was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Financial well-being, the mediator of the association between multimorbidity and HRQoL outcomes, was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. The HRQoL outcomes were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) and its four sub-dimensions. Mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS v4.1. RESULTS: Six-hundred and forty cancer patients participated in the study. Multimorbidity had a direct effect on FACT-G scores independent of financial well-being (ß for path c' = -0.752, p < 0.001). In addition, multimorbidity had an indirect effect on FACT-G scores through its effect on financial well-being (ß for path a = -0.517, p < 0.05; ß for path b = 0.785, p < 0.001). Even after adjustments were made for the covariates, the indirect effect of multimorbidity on FACT-G via financial well-being remained significant, accounting for 38.0% of the overall effect, indicating partial mediation. Although there were no statistically significant associations between multimorbidity, social well-being, and emotional well-being, the indirect effects of multimorbidity on physical and functional well-being through financial well-being remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Poor financial well-being attributable to multimorbidity partially mediates the direct impact of chronic conditions on HRQoL in Chinese cancer patients, particularly their physical and functional well-being.

Effects of self-management interventions for cancer patients with pain: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of self-management interventions targeting individuals with cancer-related pain on pain intensity, self-efficacy, quality of life (QoL), pain medication adherence, and pain-related knowledge and provide recommendations for the content and format of self-management interventions based on the existing evidence. DESIGN: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES: A search of six electronic databases, including Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and Scopus. REVIEW METHODS: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published from January 2011 to March 2022 in English were retrieved. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess quality. Data were summarised using narrative synthesis. RESULTS: This systematic review included six RCTs involving 748 patients with cancer-related pain. The results support the effectiveness of the intervention on QoL and pain-related knowledge. Mixed results were observed in the effectiveness on pain intensity, self-efficacy and medication adherence. Overall, the quality of the evidence was low. The content of self-management interventions varied across studies but with similar formats (face-to-face coaching and telephone follow-up). CONCLUSION: The existing evidence supports the effectiveness of self-management interventions on pain-related knowledge and QoL. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to determine the most effective interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Self-management is recommended to improve cancer patients' pain awareness, self-management behaviour and adaptability. Components for self-management of cancer pain, including patient attitude and knowledge assessment, nurse coaching and counselling, reinforcement during follow-up period, and provision of supplementary materials on pain management and medication adherence, could be covered in the intervention. In the future, it is worthwhile exploring an effective intervention using Internet-based information technology, for example WeChat, to aid the delivery of self-management intervention. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This systematic review does not necessarily involve patients or public members in this work.

Effectiveness of Community Health Worker-Led Interventions in Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake rate is substantially lower in ethnic minority populations than in the general population. Racial and ethnic minority individuals experience more barriers in obtaining a screening test for CRC when compared with the non-Hispanic White population. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of community health worker-led interventions in improving the CRC screening uptake rate in racial and ethnic minority populations. METHODS: Five databases, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PubMed, were systematically searched, and reference lists of the identified articles were manually searched for relevant articles in May 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials conducted in the United States were included in this review. The findings of the meta-analysis showed that CRC screening uptake was enhanced in participants receiving community health worker-led interventions compared with those receiving no intervention (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-3.44; P < .001). The subgroup analysis by diverse racial and ethnic groups and number of components (single vs multiple) of the community health worker-led interventions showed that multicomponent interventions were more effective in increasing the CRC uptake rate among all racial and ethnic groups regardless of their background. CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent community health worker-led interventions can improve CRC screening uptake in racial and ethnic minority populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of the present review show that multicomponent community health worker-led interventions are shown to be effective to improve the CRC screening uptake targeting other racial and ethnic minority groups in other countries.

Use of a Linguistically Appropriate Decision Aid for Cervical Cancer Screening of South Asian Ethnic Minority Women in Hong Kong: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Decision aids have been shown to be effective in assisting the decision-making process in healthcare settings. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a linguistically appropriate printed decision aid for cervical cancer screening in South Asian women and to preliminarily estimate its effects on decisional conflicts, clarity of values, risk perception, the screening decision and screening uptake. METHODS: This was a pilot randomised controlled trial. Forty-eight South Asian women aged 25 to 64 years were recruited and allocated to either the intervention group or control group. The participants in the intervention group read a linguistically appropriate printed decision aid. RESULTS: All of the participants in the intervention group agreed that the decision aid was useful in aiding their decision-making. These participants showed significantly greater improvement in decisional conflicts, clarity of values and risk perceptions than those in the control group (all p < 0.05). The screening uptake rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The decision aid was feasible and acceptable among South Asian women, and it resulted in reduced decisional conflict and increased screening uptake compared with usual care. To improve the convenience of using decision aids, they could be developed in various forms, such as printed and mobile application forms, to meet individual requirements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 23 October 2021 (ChiCTR2100052225).

Effectiveness of Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Interventions for Managing the Fatigue-Sleep Disturbance-Depression Symptom Cluster in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The symptom cluster of cancer-related fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression (F-S-D) is common among breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. Given the coexisting nature and synergistic effect of this symptom cluster, interventions for managing it are expected to benefit patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to examine the effectiveness and identify the essential components of interventions used to manage the F-S-D and quality of life (QOL) in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in March 2020 through 7 electronic databases. Relevant studies were assessed using the inclusion criteria. The level of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The results were summarized and synthesized in narrative forms. RESULTS: Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included. Results showed that bright light therapy, acupressure, and psychological nursing interventions were useful in managing F-S-D in BC patients. Exercise and diet counseling alleviated F-D, whereas stress management and a health promotion program alleviated S-D. Bright light therapy, exercise, diet counseling, and psychological nursing interventions enhanced the QOL of these patients. CONCLUSION: Interventions that could alleviate F-S, F-D, S-D, and F-S-D in BC patients and enhance their QOL were identified. Future studies should investigate the effects of evidence-based multimodal interventions that integrate psychological support, education on the management of chemotherapy side effects, and diet counseling and exercise on F-S-D in and reduced QOL of BC patients undergoing chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses act as patient advocates, and the development of evidence-based interventions for managing F-S-D and QOL is significant to nursing practice.

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening utilisation by people with physical disabilities: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that cervical cancer screening uptake among people with physical disabilities is low. A better understanding of the factors affecting their screening uptake is needed to devise strategies to address this issue. OBJECTIVE: This review explores the factors that impede or enhance cervical cancer screening utilisation by people with physical disabilities, such as mobility, visual and hearing impairments. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched, resulting in the inclusion of nine studies focusing on people with physical disabilities and their utilisation of cervical cancer screening services. Extracted data from these studies were summarised narratively. Their methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, Version 2018. RESULTS: Three major impeding factors were reported: 1) lack of knowledge of cervical cancer screening and how it can be accessed; 2) difficulties and inconveniences in accessing cancer screening providers and undergoing the screening procedures; and 3) uncomfortable experiences during the screening procedures. The availability of attendant services and wheelchair-accessible facilities and a longer duration of screening procedures enhanced screening utilisation by the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the need to provide training for healthcare professionals on working with people with physical disabilities, enhance supportive services to allow them to access cervical cancer screening and educate them on the importance of screening.

Identifying the factors promoting colorectal cancer screening uptake in Hong Kong using Andersen's behavioural model of health services use.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an effective strategy to aid early cancer detection. However, the decision to undergo screening can be affected by a variety of factors. The aims of this study were to examine current CRC screening uptake in Hong Kong and identify the factors associated with it using Andersen's Behavioural Model as a guiding framework. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong from August 2019 to December 2020. A sample of 1317 Chinese individuals aged 50 to 75 years were recruited and completed a survey to identify predisposing, enabling, and need-for-care factors, and the colorectal cancer screening uptake rate (faecal occult blood test [FOBT] or faecal immunochemical test [FIT] and colonoscopy) was determined. RESULTS: The FOBT/FIT uptake rate was 43.9%, while that of the colonoscopy was 26.0%. The provision of a government subsidy for screening and the provision of information booklets were the most significant and second most significant enabling factors for FOBT/FIT uptake, respectively. Visiting a doctor five times or more in the previous year and being recommended to undergo a CRC screening by a doctor, were the most significant enabling factors for colonoscopy uptake. Age, the perceived benefit of and barriers to screening were important predisposing factors for FOBT/FIT and colonoscopy uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Screening uptake rates in Hong Kong have significantly increased over the last decade, although they remain lower than those in other countries. Continual efforts are warranted to promote government-subsidised screening. Relevant educational materials that address the barriers identified in this study should be developed and disseminated to the public.

Effect of a family-based multimedia intervention on the uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults: A cluster-randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer screening, including faecal immunohistochemical test, is an effective method for detecting colorectal cancer early. Nevertheless, faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian ethnic minorities is low because they have limited knowledge of and face barriers in accessing colorectal cancer screening. Tailored education and appropriate messaging has potential to convey to this population group the importance of colorectal cancer screening. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a family-based multimedia intervention to raise awareness of colorectal cancer screening and increase the uptake of faecal immunochemical tests among South Asian older adults. DESIGN: A cluster-randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group. PARTICIPANTS: Three-hundred and twenty dyads of South Asian older adults and their younger family members were recruited at South Asian community centres and non-governmental organisations providing support services to local South Asians in six Hong Kong districts. METHODS: Group allocation of dyads during cluster randomisation was based on the group assignment of the district where they were recruited. The intervention comprised a multimedia health talk, conveying the importance of colorectal cancer screening and support from younger family members in encouraging their older relatives to undergo screening. Site coordinators assisted participants in accessing faecal immunohistochemical test. The primary outcome was increased uptake of faecal immunohistochemical test among South Asian older adults. Secondary outcomes included younger family members' encouragement of their older relatives to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test and their readiness to assist their relatives with the test. Acceptability of the intervention was measured by dyad satisfaction with the intervention. RESULTS: The proportion of older adults participating in faecal immunohistochemical testing was significantly higher among intervention dyads compared with controls (71.8% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001). No significant within-group change was observed on the willingness of younger family members in the intervention group to encourage older adults to undergo faecal immunohistochemical test, nor their readiness to assist older adults in doing so, although a decrease in both outcomes was observed among the control group. Most participants (>86%) were satisfied with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the acceptability and effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing faecal immunohistochemical test uptake among South Asian older adults, and the benefit of using a family-based approach in the implementation of cancer screening interventions for these individuals. Implementation of the intervention as a component of usual care within South Asian communities is recommended. Trial registration ISRCTN72829325, 10 July 2018.

Participation in a government-subsidised colorectal cancer screening programme for asymptomatic individuals in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: A Government-subsidised colorectal cancer screening programme (CRCSP) was launched in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the participation rate in CRCSP among Chinese individuals between the ages of 50 and 75 years and to survey individuals' reasons for declining to participate in the CRCSP. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Asymptomatic Chinese individuals aged 50-75 years in Hong Kong who did not have a history of colorectal cancer were recruited. A survey was used to collect information about individuals' participation in the CRCSP. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 1317 participants. Of these, 432 (32.8%) joined the CRCSP and the remaining 885 participants (67.2%) did not join the CRCSP. The most common reason that participants provided for not joining the CRCSP was thinking that the screening was not necessary because they had no health problems (29.3%). Some (14.4%) of the participants claimed to lack information about the CRCSP and screening procedures. Some (12.5%) of them completed the screening before the CRCSP was launched, and the cost was covered by other sources. CONCLUSION: The participation in CRCSP for a screening among the Hong Kong population has generally increased, but obstacles to participating in screening programme remain.

Effects of music intervention on anxiety, depression, and quality of life of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Music may be a safe and effective coping strategy for psychological management. The objectives of this review were to identify the effects of music interventions on anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: Fourteen databases were searched from the inception date to December 2020 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Gray literature was also examined. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021223845). Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated methodological quality. Meta-analysis was done. Subgroup analysis was conducted for intervention types, the person selecting music, music delivery method, timing, and session duration. RESULTS: Nine RCTs were identified, among which six were eligible for the meta-analysis. All studies were at a high risk of bias, and the overall quality of evidence was low to very low. The pooled results reveal that music intervention could reduce anxiety (SMD: - 0.29, 95% CI - 0.50 to - 0.08) and improve QoL (SMD: 0.42, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.82). However, it fails to affect depression (p = 0.79). The findings demonstrate no significant difference between patient-selected music and researcher-selected music, recorded music, and live music, while a length of 15-20 min/session and offering immediately before chemotherapy are more effective on anxiety than that of 30-45 min and delivering during chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Music intervention may be a beneficial tool for anxiety reduction and QoL among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. More high-quality RCTs are needed to ascertain the true impact of those outcomes.

Influential barriers perceived by South Asians in Hong Kong to undergoing cervical cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE: To report the uptake rate of cervical cancer screening (the Papanicolaou [Pap] test) and identify the perceived barriers associated with screening uptake among South Asian women in Hong Kong. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved a structured survey of 776 South Asian women aged 21 and above, recruited from the community. The participants' demographic characteristics, Pap test uptake and responses to a validated 14-item scale of perceived barriers to screening was collected. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: The Pap test uptake rate was 40.3%. Multivariate analysis identified two perceived barriers significantly associated with the participants' Pap test uptake: (1) not knowing where to have the test and (2) the belief that they did not need a test if they felt well. CONCLUSION: Although language problems and embarrassment are commonly reported barriers to screening by South Asians, the participants were more concerned about where to have the test and whether they needed it. Future interventions should thus focus on enhancing their access to the service and clarifying their understanding of the need.

Psychological Wellbeing and Associated Factors Among Ethnic Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study assessed the psychological wellbeing and its associated factors amongst ethnic minorities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A total of 310 Hong Kong South Asians aged 41.3 (SD 13.7) years completed an anonymous online survey between July 2020 and February 2021. The results showed an overall moderate level of stress and high levels of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms amongst South Asian minorities. Multivariable regression analyses suggested that being single/divorced, following Hinduism or other non-Muslim religions, having lower perceived knowledge of COVID-19 and having worried about losing job were significant predictors of higher levels of depression, anxiety and/or stress; additionally, being male, having a low monthly household income, having worried about losing job and healthcare collapse were significant predictors of a higher level of PTSD symptoms. The findings suggest an urgent need to alleviate the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnic minorities, specifically for those most vulnerable to these impacts.