The perception of the influencing factors of refusing cervical smear investigation of female clinic attendees in a hospital in Macau.

Aim: To understand the situation of Macau women receiving the cervical smear investigation and the reasons of refusal. Method: to recruit 200 women aged 25-55 who attend the outpatient clinic of one hospital in Macau and adopt a questionnaire survey in the spot. Results: 46% of the respondents have done the cervical smear investigation. Their characteristics were: high education level, high family income, multiple gynecological symptoms, multiparous. There were 3 main reasons why women refused smear investigation: "No similar cases in family" 65.5%, "Long waiting time in hospital, troublesome" 62.1%, "Afraid of being investigated by male doctor, embarrassment" 62.1%. There were statistically significant differences between women with age differences towards "Long waiting time in hospital, troublesome". Towards the view on "Afraid of being investigated by male doctor, embarrassment", there were statistically significant differences between different birth histories and with and without having smear investigation. Conclusion: the rate of smear investigation of Macau women was a bit low, the main reasons were lack of awareness, perceived troublesome and embarrassment. Promotion of the knowledge cervical cancer and smear investigation should be enhances; The service of smear investigation should be increased so that the waiting time can be improved; More female doctors can be chosen foe conducting smear investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]