Understanding Women's Participation in Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid Screening: The Role of Characteristics, Behavior, and Psychological Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age

Zaim Anshari; Marlina Elfa Lubis

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.002125

Authors

Zaim Anshari
zaim.anshari@fk.uisu.ac.id
Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0747-1481
Marlina Elfa Lubis STIKes Mitra Sejati https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7260-5445

Keywords:

Cervical Cancer, Early Detection, Psychological Characteristics, Spouse of Fertile Age, VIA Test

Abstract

The level of community health is shaped by four main determinants: environment, behaviour, health care, and heredity. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a simple, low‑cost method that can be used for early detection of cervical cancer in primary care settings, yet uptake among women of reproductive age in Indonesia remains suboptimal. This analytic observational case–control study was conducted at Puskesmas Teladan, Medan, in 2025. A total of 102 women of reproductive age were enrolled, comprising 51 women who had undergone VIA (case group) and 51 women who had never undergone VIA but had heard about the test (control group). Data on socio‑demographic characteristics (age, education, occupation), behavioural factors (knowledge, attitude, practice), and psychological factors (perception, motivation) were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using chi‑square tests and multiple logistic regression. In the multivariable model, good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32–29.36; p=0.001) and high motivation (AOR 15.92; 95% CI 5.35–47.42; p<0.001) were independently associated with undergoing VIA, whereas age, education, occupation, attitude, practice, and perception were not statistically significant. Women of reproductive age with better knowledge about VIA and stronger motivation are substantially more likely to undergo VIA screening. Strengthening knowledge and intrinsic motivation through health promotion and counselling at primary health centres and via Posyandu cadres may increase uptake of VIA as an early detection strategy for cervical cancer.

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Author Biographies

Zaim Anshari, Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara

born in Tebing Tinggi, North Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 17, 1966, is a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sumatera Utara, where he has served since 2000. He earned medical, educational technology, public health, and biomedical science degrees, as well as a Diploma in Bioethics and Medical Ethics from Universitas Gadjah Mada. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree. (email: zaim.anshari@fk.uisu.ac.id).

Marlina Elfa Lubis, STIKes Mitra Sejati

is a lecturer at STIKes Mitra Sejati, Indonesia. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Health from Universitas Sumatera Utara. Her academic interests include public health, epidemiology, and health policy. She is actively involved in teaching and research and is committed to preparing competent health professionals. (email: marlinaelfalubis81@gmail.com).

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