İrem AKOVA, Öznur HASDEMİR
Turkish Journal of Public Health - 2026;24(1):200-208
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine public health workers' cancer screening knowledge levels and affecting factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with healthcare workers working in the Public Health Services Presidency (PHSP), Community Health Centre (CHC), and Healthy Life Centre (HLC) units in May 2024. A Personal Data Form and Cancer Screening Knowledge Scale (CSKS) were applied. Results: Of the healthcare workers, 203 participated in the study (participation rate 84%). The mean age was 39.8+/-8.9 years. Of the participants, 72.4% (n=147) did not exercise regularly, 54.7% (n=111) had healthy eating habits, 34.5% (n=70) had previously been screened for cancer, and 83.3% (n=169) had recommended cancer screening to others/the community. The mean score on the CSKS was 18.2+/-3.1, and most (n = 149, 73.4%) had a high-level cancer screening knowledge. The mean score on the CSKS was higher in women (p<0.001), those with at least one child (p=0.006), those who reported regular exercise (p=0.033), those with a university degree (p=0.008) or higher (p=0.001), those who had previously been screened (p=0.009), and those who had recommended it to others/community (p=0.002). These variables were entered in the regression model, and only being a physician was significantly associated with higher knowledge levels about cancer screening (p=0.017). Conclusion: Nearly three-quarters of public health workers had a high level of cancer screening knowledge. It was believed that the importance of cancer screening should be explained to all healthcare professionals, especially those with limited knowledge about this issue (in-service training, awareness activities, etc.).
