Cancer Awareness Among Syrian Migrants

A Theory-Driven Educational Intervention to Enhance Cancer Screening Uptake Among Syrian Migrants in Turkey: A Study Protocol

This study aims to develop and evaluate a theory-based educational intervention to improve cancer screening participation among Syrian migrants in Turkey. The study will also develop a Cancer Protection Motivation Scale (CPMS) to measure individuals' motivation toward cancer screening. Using a mixed-methods design, the study will explore barriers, beliefs, and behaviors related to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed using a pretest-posttest design. The findings are expected to support culturally appropriate strategies to improve cancer screening uptake among migrant populations.

Syrian migrants face difficulties accessing cancer screening services due to limited healthcare access, language and cultural barriers, and lack of knowledge about cancer screening. However, there is a lack of practical guidance on how public health initiatives can effectively engage with priority populations, particularly migrants. This study aims to present a protocol for developing a Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)-based educational intervention and the Cancer Protection Motivation Scale, informed by an examination of migrants' and healthcare professionals' perspectives on cancer screening. A mixed-methods study protocol has been developed to create a Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)-based educational intervention and the Cancer Protection Motivation Scale. The study will engage migrants and healthcare professionals to explore knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers related to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. In the qualitative phase, interviews will be conducted with 30 migrants and healthcare professionals, while in the methodological phase, data from 300 migrants will be used to develop and validate the scale and educational intervention. In the experimental phase, the effectiveness of the intervention will be tested with 30 participants. The study is expected to yield a valid and reliable Cancer Protection Motivation Scale and a culturally sensitive, theory-driven educational intervention. These tools will provide guidance for improving cancer awareness and screening behaviors among migrants, addressing barriers related to access, language, culture, and knowledge.

Inclusion Criteria:

• over 18 years of age
• hold Syrian citizenship
• be registered with the Migrant Health Center in Mersin province
• have proficiency in Turkish or Arabic
• voluntarily agree to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• if they hold Turkish citizenship
• have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• have been diagnosed with cancer
• wish to withdraw from the study