Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Screening allows early detection of diseases or the predisposing factors, and has the potential for improved treatment and reduction of probable mortalities, if followed by acceptable and appropriate treatment. Aims & Objectives: To study the predictors of screening programs adherence in the population of Shiraz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study suggests the predictors of using the screening tests and exams among a representative sample of Shirazi adults.
Results: About half of eligible participants never perform the Pap test, breast exam and fecal occult blood test. And about a quarter of them never did the prostate and skin exam. Age, sex, marital status, occupation, educational level, residential place and smoking history as well as stress level could be the predictors of using the screening tests and exams. Conclusion: Overall, the rate of using the screening tests and exams is unacceptably low. This emphasizes the urgent need of developing strategies to promote it.