Factors of regional variations in national cancer screening rates during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze factors of regional variation in national cancer screening rate in Korea using regional cancer screening rate data. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we tried to identify factors affecting cancer screening rate, including COVID-19 situation in the region. METHODS: Data provided by the National Health Insurance Service Center were used for the national cancer screening rate index data in 2020 in 229 regions. A correlation analysis was conducted to find correlation between national cancer screening rate and variation factors in the national cancer screening rate in the region to be analyzed. In addition, to confirm spatial dependence of the national cancer screening rate among regions, a global spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran's I) analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In the 2020 COVID-19 situation, variable factors affecting the national cancer screening rate among regions in Korea were the regional number of populations of cumulative COVID-19 confirmed cases, concern of damage caused by COVID-19 infection, income level, the proportion of the population graduating from middle school or lower, the average daily access time to general hospitals by car, and the average daily access time to hospitals and clinics by public transportation or walking. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study can be used to establish national digital health policies that reflect regional variation factors in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It is believed that they can contribute to policies to promote community health in the future.