TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A study by Hungkuang University revealed Wednesday that psychological triggers play a decisive role in motivating individuals to undergo screening.
Taiwan currently offers complimentary screening programs for five major types of cancer, including cervical, breast, colorectal, oral, and lung cancer, to individuals who meet eligibility criteria. However, participation rates remain uneven, prompting examination of the underlying factors influencing public engagement, according to CNA and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Hsu Yu-huan (徐毓鍰), a graduate student at Hungkuang University, conducted the study using the Health Belief Model, a foundational framework in health behavior research developed in the 1950s. Based on 600 valid survey responses, Hsu identified three key determinants of screening behavior: cues to action, self-efficacy, and perceived susceptibility.
The most significant driver of cancer screening participation was “cues to action,” explaining nearly 70% of the variation.
These cues, originating from a person's environment or personal experiences, act as the initial spark for making health-related decisions, according to the model. The prompts can be external, such as public health campaigns or a doctor’s recommendation, or internal, such as noticing unusual physical symptoms.
Hsu noted that many people are not opposed to cancer screening but lack timely reminders, encouragement, or awareness that they qualify for free testing. Something as simple as a social media message, a recommendation from a healthcare professional, or a personal story shared by a friend or family member can significantly boost participation rates.
The study also used a decision tree model to further analyze screening behaviors across different demographic groups. It found that individuals with a medical background, higher health awareness, and middle-to-high income levels were significantly more likely to undergo cancer screenings.
These findings underscore the impact of socioeconomic status and access to health information on preventive health behaviors, Hsu said. She recommended that public health policies focus more on reaching younger and lower-income populations through engaging and accessible interventions.
Suggested strategies include leveraging social media platforms, integrating health education into school curricula, and promoting workplace wellness initiatives to encourage early and proactive screening behavior.
