Public health
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We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire among attendees of a well women clinic in Hong Kong during June and July 1998. The study aimed to examine the factors associated with the past and future use of screening services among Chinese women in Hong Kong and their perception of service providers. Of the 430 respondents (64% response rate), 87% were aged 31-50 y, 85% married, 93% attained education to upper secondary school level, and 96% were non-smokers. ⋯ Respondents showed a preference for doctors (70%) over nurses (30%), and females (80%) over males (20%) as their service providers. The findings suggest the need to disseminate appropriate information on screening services among the public to dispel misconceptions about the preference for doctors over nurses and females over males. Improving clinician- and other staff-patient communication would be important for breast and cervical screening programs in Hong Kong.