Determinants of cancer screening intentions among UAE residents: an exploratory model with application of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model
- 1RAK College of Nursing, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University , ,
- 2Discovery Research Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR Headquarters, Ansari , ,
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making the promotion of early detection through cancer screening a major public health priority. Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ intentions to participate in cancer screening is essential for developing effective interventions and policies aimed at improving screening uptake. This study examined the determinants of cancer screening intention among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model as a theoretical framework.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 UAE residents recruited from outpatient departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed based on a modified IMB model. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge regarding cancer and cancer screening, attitudes toward screening, behavioral skills related to screening, and cancer screening intention. Cancer screening intention was assessed using a single dichotomous item. Descriptive statistics were performed using JASP software, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and latent variable structural equation modeling (LV-SEM) were conducted using Onyx software to examine the relationships among observed and latent variables.
Results: The structural equation model demonstrated relatively poor fit to the data ( χ ² /df = 4.34, CFI = 0.824, TLI = 0.801, RMSEA = 0.118), and the findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory. Family history of cancer ( β = 0.39, p < 0.001), perceived personal risk of cancer ( β = 0.30, p < 0.001), and participation in cancer awareness workshops ( β = 0.16, p < 0.01) emerged as significant positive predictors of intention to undergo cancer screening. Attitudes toward cancer screening were positively associated with behavioral skills ( β = 0.33, p < 0.001). In contrast, knowledge about cancer ( β = −0.01, p = 0.264) and knowledge about cancer screening ( β = −0.20, p = 0.133) were not significantly associated with behavioral skills. Furthermore, the hypothesized mediating role of behavioral skills was not supported.
Discussion: The findings suggest that perceived susceptibility, familial experience with cancer, and engagement in awareness activities are more influential determinants of screening intention than knowledge alone. Interventions aimed at improving screening uptake should emphasize personalized risk communication, family-centered approaches, and culturally tailored strategies that address motivational and practical barriers. Further research using longitudinal and nationally representative designs is needed to validate these findings and refine theoretical models of cancer screening behavior in the UAE.
Related
- Service Provider Competence, Motivation, and Resource Availability as Determinants of Quality Healthcare Delivery: A Cross-Sectional Study at Makeni Regional Hospital, Sierra Leone
- Effects of Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model-Based Exercise and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Anxiety and Depression
- Unravelling the commercial determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in Ibadan, Nigeria: an exploratory micro-analysis
- Breast health information, motivation, behavioral skills, and breast self-examination behavior among female medical college students: a cross-sectional study
- High stakes, low information, no roads: a qualitative evaluation of determinants of air ambulance utilization and decision making in rural Alaska
BibTeX
@article{ravi2026determinants,
title = {{Determinants of cancer screening intentions among UAE residents: an exploratory model with application of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model}},
author = {Ramya Kundayi Ravi and Mona Gamal Mohamed and Sasidharan Sivakumar and Nilda Ogsimer},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1912283},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13672646},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Determinants of cancer screening intentions among UAE residents: an exploratory model with application of the information-motivation-behavioral skills model
AU - Ramya Kundayi Ravi
AU - Mona Gamal Mohamed
AU - Sasidharan Sivakumar
AU - Nilda Ogsimer
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/02
JO - Frontiers in public health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1912283
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13672646
AB - Introduction: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making the promotion of early detection through cancer screening a major public health priority. Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ intentions to participate in cancer screening is essential for developing effective interventions and policies aimed at improving screening uptake. This study examined the determinants of cancer screening intention among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model as a theoretical framework. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 UAE residents recruited from outpatient departments. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed based on a modified IMB model. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge regarding cancer and cancer screening, attitudes toward screening, behavioral skills related to screening, and cancer screening intention. Cancer screening intention was assessed using a single dichotomous item. Descriptive statistics were performed using JASP software, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and latent variable structural equation modeling (LV-SEM) were conducted using Onyx software to examine the relationships among observed and latent variables. Results: The structural equation model demonstrated relatively poor fit to the data ( χ ² /df = 4.34, CFI = 0.824, TLI = 0.801, RMSEA = 0.118), and the findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory. Family history of cancer ( β = 0.39, p < 0.001), perceived personal risk of cancer ( β = 0.30, p < 0.001), and participation in cancer awareness workshops ( β = 0.16, p < 0.01) emerged as significant positive predictors of intention to undergo cancer screening. Attitudes toward cancer screening were positively associated with behavioral skills ( β = 0.33, p < 0.001). In contrast, knowledge about cancer ( β = −0.01, p = 0.264) and knowledge about cancer screening ( β = −0.20, p = 0.133) were not significantly associated with behavioral skills. Furthermore, the hypothesized mediating role of behavioral skills was not supported. Discussion: The findings suggest that perceived susceptibility, familial experience with cancer, and engagement in awareness activities are more influential determinants of screening intention than knowledge alone. Interventions aimed at improving screening uptake should emphasize personalized risk communication, family-centered approaches, and culturally tailored strategies that address motivational and practical barriers. Further research using longitudinal and nationally representative designs is needed to validate these findings and refine theoretical models of cancer screening behavior in the UAE.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -