Formation of Support Groups

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 82 views

The Influence of Social Support on the Participation of Women of Childbearing Age in Early Detection of Cervical Cancer in Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women of childbearing age worldwide. In Indonesia, the Serdang Bedagai District Health Office conducted an early detection program for cervical cancer in 2009-2010, which resulted in 46 women (1.4%) testing positive for the disease. Despite the efforts made, the number of women participating in the early detection program remains relatively low. This study aims to investigate the effect of social support on the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer in Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency.

Background

Social support has been recognized as a crucial factor in promoting health and well-being. It encompasses various forms of support, including emotional, instrumental, informative, and social group support. Emotional support provides a sense of empathy and affection, while instrumental support offers practical assistance. Informative support provides information about health issues, and social group support offers a sense of belonging and encouragement. In the context of cervical cancer, social support can play a significant role in motivating women to participate in early detection programs.

Methodology

This study involved 99 women of childbearing age as a sample of a total population of 14,491 women in Perbaungan District. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires, and analyzed using multiple regression at the level of significance α = 0.05.

Results

The results of this study showed that social support had a significant influence on the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer. The intended social support includes:

*** Emotional Support: A sense of empathy, affection, and reinforcement from family and friends who encourage women to be more concerned with their health. *** Instrumental Support: Practical assistance, such as transportation, costs, and assistance while undergoing examination, which helps women overcome obstacles in following the early detection program. *** Informative Support: Submission of information about cervical cancer, symptoms, and the importance of early detection, and how to do an examination, which helps women in understanding and making the right decisions. ** Support of Assessment/Appreciation: Positive recognition from family, friends, and community for women's efforts in maintaining their health, which provides motivation to continue to follow the early detection program. *** Social Group Support: Support and encouragement from other women's groups, such as communities, organizations, or groups of health care, which provide a sense of togetherness and encourage women to remind and support each other in maintaining health.

This study found that the support of social groups had the greatest influence on the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer. This shows that the existence and role of social groups is very important in encouraging and motivating women to be more active in maintaining their reproductive health.

Suggestions to Increase Participation

Based on the results of this study, the Serdang Bedagai District Health Office and Puskesmas in the work area need to make policies to increase family and social group support in encouraging fertile women's participation in early detection of cervical cancer. Here are some efforts that can be made:

*** Socialization and Education: Intensive socialization and education to families and communities about the importance of early detection of cervical cancer, as well as the benefits and benefits of following the early detection program. *** Personal Approach: Perform a personal approach to women of childbearing age to provide accurate counseling, motivation, and information about cervical cancer and early detection programs. ** Formation of Support Groups: Facilitating the formation of support groups at the village or kelurahan level that can support and motivate each other in maintaining reproductive health. ** Giving Incentives: Providing incentives, both in the form of material and non-material, to women who follow the early detection program, as a form of appreciation and motivation. ** Ease of Access: Providing easy access to early detection programs, such as providing transportation, assistance, and comfortable and friendly inspection facilities.

Conclusion

Increased social support is expected to encourage the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer. Thus, the incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced and female reproductive health can be maintained properly. This study highlights the importance of social support in promoting health and well-being, particularly in the context of cervical cancer. By increasing social support, we can empower women to take control of their health and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in our communities.

References

Serdang Bedagai District Health Office. (2009-2010). Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Program.
World Health Organization. (2018). Cervical Cancer.
Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2019). National Cancer Control Plan.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence participation in early detection programs, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and more diverse population. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of social support interventions in promoting participation in early detection programs. Furthermore, studies should explore the role of other factors, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status, in influencing participation in early detection programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Social Support on the Participation of Women of Childbearing Age in Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

Q: What is the significance of social support in promoting health and well-being?

A: Social support is a crucial factor in promoting health and well-being. It encompasses various forms of support, including emotional, instrumental, informative, and social group support. Social support can provide a sense of empathy, affection, and reinforcement, as well as practical assistance, information, and a sense of belonging.

Q: How does social support influence the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer?

A: The results of this study showed that social support had a significant influence on the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer. The intended social support includes emotional support, instrumental support, informative support, support of assessment/appreciation, and social group support.

Q: What is the most significant form of social support in promoting participation in early detection of cervical cancer?

A: This study found that the support of social groups had the greatest influence on the participation of women of childbearing age in early detection of cervical cancer. Social group support provides a sense of togetherness and encourages women to remind and support each other in maintaining health.

Q: What are some suggestions to increase participation in early detection of cervical cancer?

A: Based on the results of this study, the Serdang Bedagai District Health Office and Puskesmas in the work area need to make policies to increase family and social group support in encouraging fertile women's participation in early detection of cervical cancer. Some efforts that can be made include:

Q: What are some limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence participation in early detection programs, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status.

Q: What are some future directions for research on this topic?

A: Future studies should aim to replicate this study with a larger sample size and more diverse population. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of social support interventions in promoting participation in early detection programs. Furthermore, studies should explore the role of other factors, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status, in influencing participation in early detection programs.

Q: What are some implications of this study for public health policy and practice?

A: This study highlights the importance of social support in promoting health and well-being, particularly in the context of cervical cancer. By increasing social support, we can empower women to take control of their health and reduce the burden of cervical cancer in our communities. Public health policy and practice should prioritize the development of social support interventions and programs that promote participation in early detection of cervical cancer.

Q: What are some recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers?

A: Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize the development of social support interventions and programs that promote participation in early detection of cervical cancer. This can include:

*** Providing education and counseling: Providing accurate information and counseling to women of childbearing age about cervical cancer and early detection programs. *** Facilitating social support: Facilitating the formation of support groups and providing opportunities for women to connect with each other and share experiences. *** Providing incentives: Providing incentives, both in the form of material and non-material, to women who follow the early detection program, as a form of appreciation and motivation. *** Improving access to healthcare: Improving access to healthcare services, including transportation, assistance, and comfortable and friendly inspection facilities.

By prioritizing social support and promoting participation in early detection of cervical cancer, we can reduce the burden of this disease and improve the health and well-being of women of childbearing age.