Understanding perceptions of the public and key stakeholders toward a localised cancer screening promotion campaign: Perceptions of cancer screening campaigns

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of members of the public and key stakeholders of a localised campaign to increase engagement with cervical cancer screening. Whilst numerous interventions have been trialled to increase engagement with cancer screening, the evidence for their effectiveness is somewhat mixed. In addition, few studies have explored the perceptions of members of the public targeted by such campaigns nor the perceptions of healthcare professionals who may be involved in delivering such campaigns in the United Kingdom. Members of the public who had potentially been exposed to the campaign in the North-East of England were approached to take part in individual interviews whilst stakeholders were invited to take part in a focus group. A total of 25 participants (13 members of the public, 12 stakeholders) took part. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using applied thematic analysis. Four themes were identified, two which were cross-cutting (barriers to screening; factors promoting screening) with one theme being identified which were specific to the public interviews (knowledge of and attitudes toward awareness campaigns) and to the focus group (keeping campaigns relevant). Awareness of the localised campaign was limited however when made aware participants were mostly positive towards the approach although mixed responses were noted in relation to financial incentives. Members of the public and stakeholders identified some common barriers to screening although differed in their perceptions of promotional factors. This study highlights the importance of multiple strategies to promote cervical screening as one size fits all approach may limit engagement.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-333
JournalPsychology, Health and Medicine
Volume29
Issue number2
Early online date13 Mar 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jan 2024

Bibliographical note

Grant J. McGeechan is a member of the Tackling Cancer Together Board whose members were approached to take part in the stakeholder focus group.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Understanding perceptions of the public and key stakeholders toward a localised cancer screening promotion campaign: Perceptions of cancer screening campaigns'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this