Drop-out onderzoekzoek in borstkankerscreening

Abstract

Background: Little data exist on the reasons for dropout in consecutive preventive breast-cancer screenings among (Belgian) women. Since drop-out rates appear high, it is important to further investigate why women do not re-attend for subsequent screening in order to lower the drop-out rates. Subsequently, a target-group-based survey, including client satisfaction variables, was performed in the province of Limburg (Belgium). Method: A questionnaire was mailed to 7555 women (age 54 to 70) (response rate=42.09%) who did not re-attend (drop-out group) in a preventive breast cancer screening program. This questionnaire examined demographic and detailed reasons for drop-out including some client satisfaction variabels. Results: Receiving an alternative medical advice from another doctor and problems with the recall letter were the most commonly reported reasons for drop-out. The former indicates the importance of including the medical doctor into the program as women seem to consider their advice as more important. The latter suggests a significant role for delay behavior. Conclusion: Preventive programs should focus more on personal beliefs as research indicates their importance in adherence and the prevention of delay behavior.