Psychosocial predictors of delay in receiving mammography results
I. Chaari, A. Samet, W. Abid, Y. Fourti, F. Charfeddine, L. Aribi, N. Messedi, J. AloulouIntroduction
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