Comparison of Health Promotion Behavior in Middle aged Rural Residents by Cancer Screening Participation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare health promotion behavior in middle-aged rural residents by cancer screeningparticipation.Methods:Datawerecollectedfrom508ruralresidentsduringtheperiodfromApril 6 to June 6, 2009 using structured questionnaires, and analyzed using SPSS/WIN 12.0. Results: The cancer screeningrate was 50.2%. The ratewassignificantly different accordingtosex, educational level, marital status, private insurance, family cancer history, smoking, drinking, perceived health status, and health concern. Men showed thehighest screeningratein gastroscopy for stomach cancer, and women in papsmear test for cervical cancer. Pap smear test for cervical cancer showed thehighest regular screeningrate (4.3%). The averagescore of health promotion behavior was 2.65±0.35. Health promotion behavior was significantly different according to cancer screening participation, health responsibility, stress management, and self actualization. Conclusions: These results suggested that there may be differences in health promotion behavior among middle-aged rural residents according to their cancer screening participation. A further study is necessary to find effective inter- ventions for the non-cancer screening group.