Abstract / Summary
IntroductionCancer 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe structural equation model demonstrated relatively poor fit to the data (χ2/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.DiscussionThe 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.