Perceptions of Under and Overutilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services at Latino-Serving Community Health Centers

Abstract

We sought to gather the perceptions of clinic personnel at Latino-serving Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) about patients' utilization of screening services for cervical cancer. We conducted one-on-one interviews among 17 clinic personnel at four Latino-serving FQHCs in Oregon. The clinic personnel we interviewed observed both under and overutilization of cervical cancer screening services. Clinic personnel estimated that 20-60% of eligible patients were underscreened for cervical cancer, with 30% the most commonly cited percentage. Underscreening was thought to occur among low-income, underinsured, and undocumented patients. Overscreening for cervical cancer was estimated to occur in 10-50% of eligible patients, with 10% the most frequently cited proportion. Overscreening was thought to occur among women younger than age 21 and women with a recent pregnancy. Our findings may inform future efforts to promote guideline-appropriate cancer screening and coordinated follow-up care.