Women's satisfaction with mammography and predictors of participation in an organized breast cancer screening program: Perspectives of a Local Health Unit in Rome

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were to evaluate satisfaction with the mammography service of the Local Health Unit RMA (Rome, Lazio Region) among women who have attended the program and to identify the predictors of participation.

Study design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: A telephone-based questionnaire was administered to women eligible for mammography screening. The respondents were randomly selected and interviewed by the health center staff.

Results: A total of 502 women were interviewed, of which 264 (52.6%) have attended the screening program at least once. The attendees received the invitation letter more often than the non-attendees (88.3% vs 77.7%; P = 0.002), were more willing to participate (85.6% vs 69.3%; P = 0.001), they considered the letter very clear (15% vs 10.8%; P = 0.003), and information obtained through the hotline appropriate (64.7% vs 56.7%; P = 0.002). Overall satisfaction was high. Critical issues were lack of response from the hotline staff, medium-long waiting time for the results and further examinations. Age >61 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.747; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.842-4.096), receiving the invitation letter (OR = 2.539; 95% CI = 1.519-4.242), and intention to participate (OR = 3.086; 95% CI = 1.938-4.915) were significantly associated with participation in the screening program.

Conclusions: Women's satisfaction with mammography is an important aspect of service utilization. Implementation of strategies to reduce waiting time, increase operating hours, and improve the invitation procedure and the hotline service could enhance satisfaction and attendance rate.

Keywords: Attendance rate; Breast cancer; Mammography; Patient satisfaction; Screening.