Women's attitudes to physical screening

Abstract

The decision to seek medical care is influenced by many factors including the perception of symptoms and beliefs about the consequences of treatment. Some people who are healthy may seek medical care for routine examinations, but many skip screening procedures, finding it easy to ignore their health as long as they feel well. The reluctance may be due to various reasons including financial resources, changing daily routines and accessibility to medical care. Anxiety about the diagnosis, which may be threatening, or the treatment which may be painful can also contribute to the individual's reluctance to seek medical treatment. The female nurturant role, which most women fulfil, may also endanger health. In their position, women are always taking care of everyone, except themselves. They provide social support and nurturant care for their family and friends but these demands can be emotionally and physically draining. Furthermore, women may not receive the same quality care that they give leaving them without the support that they offer others. Women are too busy to take care of themselves when they feel unwell and their house cores are still done even when they are sick. Family members especially children interrupt their rest when they are unwell. Research has confirmed that the female role offer risks for morbidity. Women are more vulnerable to stress and feel more vulnerable to illness than men.