EPV1013 - Psychosocial predictors of delay in receiving mammography results

EPV1013

Psychosocial predictors of delay in receiving mammography results

I. Chaari ¹, A. Samet ^1,*, W. Abid ¹, Y. Fourti ¹, F. Charfeddine ¹, L. Aribi ¹, N. Messedi ¹, J. Aloulou ¹

¹Psychiatric department “B”, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Delays in communicating mammography results may generate anxiety. Psychosocial characteristics may influence how these delays are experienced.

Objectives: To investigate associations between socio-demographics, personality traits, and perceived delay in receiving mammography results.

Methods: We conducted an online survey of the general female population in Tunisia via a sponsored Facebook campaign (December 2023–February 2024). Participants provided the dates of their mammogram and results notification, and the delay in days was subsequently computed. Associations between delay, educational level, socio-economic status, and personality traits (using the Big Five Inventory (BFI-44)), were examined using regression analyses.

Results: A total of 278 women participated. The mean age was 46 years (SD 8.9). Most were married (84.9%) and university educated (78.4%), with two-thirds reporting middle socio-economic status (66.5%). Regarding communication, the median delay was 0 days, with 56% receiving results the same day, 84% within one week, and only 5% after more than one month. The mean delay was 4.8 days (SD 12.3). Lower education was associated with longer perceived delays (β = +2.4 days, p = 0.04). Higher Neuroticism also predicted longer delays (β = +1.8 days, p = 0.03).

Conclusions: In Tunisian women, educational level and neuroticism significantly influenced perceived waiting times. Implementing rapid communication strategies and targeted reassurance may improve the screening experience in vulnerable subgroups.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared