Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towardscancer screening of migrant women who applied to primary healthinstitutions

This research was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of immigrant women applying to primary health care institutions regarding cancer screenings. The research was carried out between October 2024 and March 2024 at 30 August Family Health Center (FHC), Güngören Immigrant Health Center and Kağıthane Immigrant Health Centers in the Güngören district of Istanbul. The sample of the study consisted of 300 immigrant women who applied to these centers, aged between 18-65, and participated in the study voluntarily. The research was conducted using descriptive and cross-sectional design type. The data of the study were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form and the Attitude Scale Towards Cancer Screenings. Data analysis was performed using Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc (Tukey, LSD) tests. The general average age of immigrant women participating in the research is 32,980±10,431; It was determined that %31.7 had a bachelor's degree or higher, %67.7 had income below expenses, %74.3 had been living in Turkey for 6-10 years, and %78.3 were Syrian. The average of women's "Total Attitudes Towards Cancer Screenings" was found to be 85.667±13.546 (Min=47; Max=114). It was determined that %51.7 of immigrant women participating in the research knew about national screening tests, %92 found cancer screening tests necessary. %85 of women did not have a cervical cancer screening test, %63.7 did not have a breast selfexamination, and %88 did not have a mammography. It was determined that %89.3 of the women did not have a fecal occult blood (FOB) test and %93 did not have a colonoscopy. It was determined that the total attitude scores towards cancer screening of women with chronic diseases, diagnosed with cancer and a family history of cancer were significantly higher than others. It was determined that immigrant women who did not have screening or had it irregularly did not participate in screening because they did not have any complaints (%51.3). According to the findings of this research, although immigrant women's attitudes towards cancer screenings seem positive, their screening behaviors are low. At this point, the interventions of healthcare professionals are of vital importance. It is recommended to provide awareness training to immigrant women about cancer screenings and to encourage participation in screenings.