Experiences and perceptions about undergoing mammographic screening: a qualitative study involving women from a county in Sweden

ABSTRACT

Purpose: An organized population-based mammographic screening programme aims for an early detection of potential breast abnormalities so that treatment can commence. Continuous participation and a high attendance rate are vital for an effective programme. It is important to understand the underlying reasons for participation in mammographic screening, should there be factors that are amendable within reason and could be adjusted. Therefore, the invited women are valuable sources of information. This study aimed at describing the experiences and perceptions about mammographic screening of women from three municipalities in a Swedish county.

Method: Six semi-structured focus-group discussions, each with four to five participants, were held. Content analysis was then conducted.

Results: The screening procedure, such as staff professionalism, was covered. Other people’s opinions and the woman’s own understanding affected the women’s decisions on whether or not to undergo the procedure. Structural conditions, such as travel time and financial issues, were sources of concern. However, the offer to perform mammographic screening was perceived with gratitude.

Conclusions: Structural conditions, risk and time perceptions, the screening procedure, attitudes towards undergoing it and appreciation of its benefit may influence the women’s continuous willingness to be screened, which in turn may affect public and individual health.

KEYWORDS:

• Experiences
• focus groups
• mammographic screening
• participation
• perceptions
• public health
• qualitative study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maria Norfjord Van Zyl

Maria Norfjord van Zyl, lecturer in Public Health Sciences and doctoral student at Mälardalen University, Sweden. Research areas are inequality in healthcare and accessibility of healthcare services.

Sharareh Akhavan

Sharareh Akhavan, Associate Professor in Public Health Sciences at Mälardalen University, Sweden and National Board of Health and Welfare. Research areas focus on health promotion, equity and healthcare.

Per Tillgren

Per Tillgren, Professor Emeritus, in Public Health Sciences at Mälardalen University. Research fields are primarily health promotion and public health policy.

Margareta Asp

Margareta Asp, Professor in Caring Science at Mälardalen University, Sweden. Main research areas include qualitative research about health promotion, recovery and patient participation