The Relationship Between the Health Literacy Levels of Women of Reproductive Age and Their Level of Knowledge About Cancer Screenings

Abstract

Purpose

The study was planned to determine the relationship between health literacy and knowledge of cancer screening in women of reproductive age.

Methods

Cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings are conducted as part of the Turkish National Cancer Screening Program. Therefore, participants' knowledge about cervical cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening knowledge was measured. Descriptive and relational study were used. Data were collected between 7 November 2023 and 30 April 2024 from all women aged 18–49 living in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The instruments used for data collection were the descriptive information form, Turkey Health Literacy Scale (TSOY-32) and Cancer Screening Knowledge Scale. Descriptive, comparative and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Findings

The mean age of the women was 30.31 ± 9.49 (min = 18, max = 49). The mean TSOY-32 score of the women was 34.45 ± 7.97. The level of health literacy of the women participating in the study was adequate. The mean score of the Women's Knowledge Scale for Cancer Screenings was 13.76 ± 4.67. The study found a small, positive and significant association between women's health literacy and their knowledge of cancer screenings (p < 0.01). As women's health literacy increases, their knowledge about cancer screening also increases.

Conclusion

It is recommended to assess women's health literacy in midwifery education. The level of women's health literacy should be assessed before cancer screening training is provided in primary health care facilities. It is recommended that cancer screening training be delivered according to the level of health literacy. It is expected that the quality and effectiveness of training will increase in this way. The number of cancer screening trainings in health care facilities should be increased.