Evaluating Statistical Numeracy of Women Who Follow Breast Cancer Screening

Objective: To assess statistical numeracy with a new specialized questionnaire in women who follow breast cancer screening programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study of women who follow breast cancer screening in the University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece. We have created a new tool to evaluate women statistical numeracy by using 11 basic concepts, which compose the statistical numeracy spectrum and are related with breast cancer screening programs. Content validity and reliability tests have been performed. Our sample consisted of 202 women, who took part in the study in the form of an interview. Results: A lack in statistical numeracy was observed, as the percentages of correct answers for the majority of the 11 concepts ranged from 6.9% to 53%. Percentages appear to be the concept that is more easily understood with correct answers equal to 53%. Visual presentation of medical information showed a significant improvement in women understanding, as 89.4% of them gave a correct answer. Conclusions: Women who follow breast cancer screening programs face great difficulty in understanding basic medical statistical numeracy concepts. These concepts have great importance in women’s informed decision making. The vast majority of women may make wrong decisions regarding screening programs due to the misconception of medical information. Visual presentation of the medical information could improve the misconception problem. Keywords: Breast cancer screening, Statistical numeracy, Women, Women decision making, Women misconception, Informed decision making