Cervical Screening Rates Research Articles

Uptake of cervical screening and acceptability of HPV self-sampling in Irish Traveller women

Abstract Introduction Irish Travellers are a minority ethnic group. The 2010 All-Ireland Traveller Health Study noted the life expectancy of Traveller women was 11 years shorter than women in the general population. Coverage of the CervicalCheck, the Irish cervical screening programme, is 78.7% overall, however, there is no recently published data on the attendance of Traveller women. This study sought to determine participation by eligible Traveller women in CervicalCheck and the acceptability of HPV self-sampling. Methodology A face-to-face cross-sectional survey, adapted from the National Cancer Control Programme’s 2022 National Survey on Cancer Awareness, was disseminated to Irish Travellers via Primary Health Care Travellers Project peer researchers, following ethical approval, May to December 2023. Results 451 Travellers participated; 286 (63.4%) were female. Of these, 178 (62.2%) were in the eligible age group for cervical screening. 134 (75.3%) advised they had received an invitation to screening; 121 (68% of all eligible; 90% of all receiving an invitation) advised they had attended at least once (regular attenders 88 (49.4%); 27 (15.2%) irregular attenders). Of all responders in the screening eligible age group, 36 (20.2%) reported HPV self-sampling as acceptable; 18 (50%) of these were non or irregular attenders at screening. Similar proportions of 25-45 year-olds (20.4%) and 46-65 year-olds (20%) reported HPV self-sampling as acceptable. Conclusions Irish Traveller women face barriers to accessing mainstream health services. Uptake of cervical screening overall is lower compared to the general population in this study; one issue may be unreliable postal service to Travellers and non-receipt of invitations. While the overall acceptability of HPV self-sampling was low at 20.2%, half of those who would self-sample did not attend or attended irregularly. HPV self-sampling has the potential to improve cervical screening rates among Traveller women. Key messages • Irish Traveller women’s uptake of cervical screening is lower than general population. • HPV self sampling has potential to improve cervical screening rates in Travellers.

Understanding Cervical Screening Rates at TUKHS Division of General Internal Medicine

Understanding Cervical Screening Rates at TUKHS Division of General Internal Medicine

Correlates of intention-to-attend and confirmed cervical screening attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: Findings from Compass-PLUS, a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe coronavirus pandemic impacted health-seeking behaviour and access to primary care in Australia. We investigated factors associated with intention-to-attend and attendance of cervical screening during the pandemic, mainly in Victoria, Australia. MethodsWe used questionnaire and attendance data (Aug 2020-Nov 2022) from Compass-PLUS, a sub-study of the Compass randomized-controlled trial of Human Papillomavirus-based vs cytology-based screening. Data was restricted to the HPV-screening arm for comparability to the national program. We investigated associations overall and for younger (25–39 years) and older (≥40 years) cohorts, between intention-to-attend/attendance, and socio-demographics, anxiety-related scores, and agreement with beliefs about screening during the pandemic (e.g. importance of screening, increased workload, working from home, risk of infection). ResultsAmong 2,226 participants, positive intention to attend screening was more likely among those with a family history of cancer (p = 0.030) or living outside major cities (p = 0.024). Increased attendance was associated with increasing age (p < 0.001), prior regular cervical screening history [adjusted relative risk (aRR) for 2 screens in 6 years vs none: 1.23 (95 %CI 1.09,1.40); p < 0.001], and part-time employment or retirement compared to full-time employment [aRR:1.08 (1.02,1.14); aRR:1.12 (1.03, 1.22); respectively]. Lower attendance was related to increased agreement with statements indicating screening de-prioritisation (p-trend < 0.05) and higher recent anxiety, specifically in the older cohort (p-trend = 0.002). ConclusionsReduced priority of screening and heightened recent anxiety may partly explain indications of lower-than-expected cervical screening rates during the pandemic. It is important that catch-up of missed HPV screens is performed to prevent a possible increase in cancer diagnoses in the long term.

Improving cervical screening rates among sexual minorities: Insights from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sexual minority women (SMW) experience inequities in health outcomes. The extant literature consistently suggests that SMW are much less likely than their heterosexual peers to engage in cervical screening. Using participant's voices, the focus of this study was to explore the ways in which cervical screening rates for SMW might be improved. An online survey was completed by SMW (N = 177) aged 25-69 based in Aotearoa New Zealand and representing a range of sexual identities, ethnicities, and geographical regions. The analysis presented here was derived from open-ended qualitative responses to a single survey item: What do you think could be done to encourage more SMW (lesbians, wahine takatāpui, bisexual women, etc.) to engage in smear testing? Analysis of the data generated three main themes around how public health services could encourage more SMW to engage in cervical screening: Inclusive health services, clarity of information, and targeted health promotion. The analysis showed that the inherent heteronormativity among health care professionals and the lack of clear and consistent information specific to SMW may be key factors contributing to lower rates of engagement in screening. SO WHAT?: Given that not engaging in screening is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, it is imperative that active consideration is given to these issues with a view to increasing participation rates among SMW.

Cervical Pap screening among women living with HIV in Puerto Rico and the United States – Medical Monitoring Project, 2018–2021

Our objective was to determine the prevalence of cervical Pap screening among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Puerto Rico (P.R.) and other selected United States (U.S.) jurisdictions. Additionally, we sought to compare selected characteristics of WLWH who underwent cervical Pap screening between P.R. and the other U.S. jurisdictions. We analyzed data from the 2018–2021 cycles of CDC’s Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a national surveillance system among adults with HIV residing in P.R. (n = 218) and 22 other MMP jurisdictions (n = 3,653). Weighted percentages and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for selected characteristics were estimated. Prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means were calculated. An estimated 91.6 % and 84.6 % of WLWH underwent cervical Pap screening in P.R. and the other 22 MMP jurisdictions, respectively (Prevalence Ratio = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03–1.13). Among WLWH who underwent cervical Pap screening, those in P.R. were more likely to be 50+ years of age, have a household annual income below $20,000, engage in binge drinking, never smoke, and have Medicaid/other public insurance than those in the other 22 MMP jurisdictions (p < 0.05). No differences were found between P.R. and the other 22 MMP jurisdictions in the percentage reporting higher than the median HIV-stigma score, experiencing HIV health care discrimination, and having ≥ 1 sexual partner in the past 12 months. Although cervical Pap screening rates among WLWH were higher in P.R. than in the other 22 MMP jurisdictions, both surpass the Healthy People 2030 target. Future research should assess adherence and compliance with updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Survey of awareness and beliefs about cancer (ABC) in Tehran Province, Iran

IntroductionKnowledge, attitudes, and practices are essential measures for planning and evaluating cancer control programs. Little is known about these in Iran.MethodsWe conducted a population-based interview survey of adults aged 30–70 using the Farsi version of the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer questionnaire in the capital province of Tehran, Iran, 2019. We calculated weighted estimates of levels of cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices to allow for different selection probabilities and nonresponse. We used multivariate logistic regression to understand demographic factors associated with bowel, cervix, and breast screening practices.ResultsWe interviewed 736 men and 744 women. The mean number of recalled cancer warning signs was less than one; 57.7% could not recall any cancer warning signs. Participants recognized 5.6 out of 11 early cancer warning signs and 8.8 of 13 cancer risk factors. Most (82.7%) did not know that HPV infection was a cancer risk factor. Approximately, half had negative attitudes towards cancer treatment, but over 80% had positive attitudes towards the effectiveness of screening for improving survival. Colorectal, breast, and cervical screening rates were 24%, 42%, and 49%, respectively. Higher socioeconomic status increased the odds of taking up screening for cancer. Women aged 60–70 were less likely to report taking up breast and cervical screening than younger women.DiscussionThe Iranian population has poor awareness and negative attitudes about cancer, and participation in screening programs is low. Public awareness and early detection of cancer should be promoted in Iran.

KNOWLEDGE OF HPV VACCINES AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG FULL-TIME SECOND-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS IN CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with over 500,000 new cases diagnosed annually and 50% mortality rate in Asia. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, most often from 42 to 58 years old. However, we can prevent it by screening tests and the HPV vaccines (HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer). When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable (about 90-100%). As one of the directly involved people in the prevention and treatment of this disease in the future, a medical student needs to grasp the basic knowledge to properly advise patients about the benefits of HPV vaccination as well as perform cervical cancer screening tests according to different ages. Therefore, the topic "The knowledge of HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screening among full-time second-year medical students of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy" was conducted to determine the acquainted rate of HPV vaccines and cervical screening. Objectives: to determinine the ratio of knowledge among students on HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screening. Materials and methods: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design to assess full-time medical secondyear students’ knowledge. A pre-test questionnaire was administered to students. Research conducted from January 12th, 2022 to July 1st, 2022 including 234 students. Results: Participants were mainly students under the age of 20, accounting for 56%. Most students received information about HPV vaccination from the internet, accounting for 72.2%; from friends and relatives accounting for 66.7%, from hospitals and medical centers accounting for 31.5%. Research results show that the rate of well-informed about HPV vaccination was 67.9%; the rate of well-informed about cervical cancer screening was 8.2%. The rate of knowing the total injection dose is 3 doses accounting for 55.6%. Most students (90.2%) answered that cervical cancer can be screened; about 35.9% of students answered the age to start cervical cancer screening correctly. The percentage of students who knew the conditions to stop cervical cancer screening was 20.9%. Conclusion: The knowledge of HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screening among full-time second-year medical students of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy was thoroughly knowledgeable.

Using quality improvement to pursue equity: lessons from healthcare

Against a backdrop of stalling life expectancy, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to tackle inequities in healthcare. Quality improvement has become an increasingly recognised way of tackling complex problems in healthcare. This article presents a step-by-step approach for the use of quality improvement to pursue equity at an NHS provider in England. The Model for Improvement was used to set an aim, develop a theory of change and measures, and test change ideas through plan-do-study-act cycles. A five-step sequence of improvement was used to provide a structured approach to identifying and tackling problems. Projects were designed to use a time series testing strategy in which baseline data were collected, a change was introduced and data continued to be collected over time to assess improvement. The results of three teams that have demonstrated sustained improvements were analysed using statistical process control charts. The teams' achievements included a 27% increase in access to early intervention mental health services for ethnic minority groups; a 92% reduction in racist incidents on inpatient wards; and a reduction in the gap between cervical screening rates for different age groups from 8% to 3%. Quality improvement offers those closest to the delivery of care a way of systematically making improvements in equity. Further opportunities for the field include the use of experimental designs to test combinations of interventions and potential scalability of quality improvement methods across systems with multiple partners.

Cervical cancer in Thailand: 2023 update.

Cervical cancer continues to pose a challenge to the health of Thai women, as the second most common cancer after breast cancer. Since high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types are the main cause for cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination are necessary to reduce the incidence of this disease. At present, the World Health Organization hopes to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer to 4 or less cases per 100,000 women-years using 90%- 70%-90% intervention by 2030. The first intervention involves vaccinating 90% of women aged 15 years with the HPV vaccine. The second intervention involves screening 70% of women between the ages of 35 and 45 years using a high-performance screening test. The third intervention involves detecting cervical lesions in 90% of affected women to enable diagnosis and treatment. In this context, this study reviews trends in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Thailand, in addition to providing an up-to-date overview of the causes and necessary risk factors for cervical cancer, as well as reporting on cervical screening and HPV vaccination rates and cervical cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study may prove useful for the formulation of policy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Thailand, such as the implementation of a free HPV vaccine service and providing athome kits for cervical screening through clinics and pharmacies. In addition, this review also highlights the need for further research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cervical cancer screening rates in Thailand.

Abstract 4805: Identifying neighborhood hot spots of HPV-associated cancers for targeted interventions of HPV vaccination uptake in underserved communities of South Florida

Abstract Background: Although the incidence of cervical cancer in the US has declined, the incidences of other HPV-associated cancers are on the rise. HPV vaccination is an important primary prevention strategy for reducing the burden of HPV-associated cancers. In South Florida (population over 6 million), the percentage of adolescents aged 13-15 years who completed the recommended HPV vaccine series is 54%, which lags significantly behind the Healthy People 2030 target of 80%. In addition, vaccination disparities exist in South Florida by races/ethnicities and sexes, with non-Hispanic black males having the lowest rate at 27%. To address HPV cancer disparities, we performed a geospatial analysis on the incidence of HPV-associated cancers by sex and races/ethnicity to identify communities in South Florida with high incidence of HPV-associated cancer to target interventions that may improve HPV-vaccine uptake via community outreach and engagement. Methods: The average annual (2010-2019) incidence of HPV-associated cancers in women (cervical, oropharyngeal, vulva, vaginal, and anal) and men (oropharyngeal, penile, and anal) were calculated for Hispanics, Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) at the census tract level across South Florida using data from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), the state incident cancer registry. Geospatial hot spot analyses were used to identify clusters of census tracts with high HPV cancer incidence by sex and race/ethnicity. Socioeconomic and cervical screening data of the hot spots were analyzed to identify other neighborhood risk conditions that may be associated with high HPV cancer risk. Results: For Hispanics and NHBs in South Florida, census tract hot spots for male and female HPV cancers appear to overlap in low-income neighborhoods; however, hot spots for NHW males are mostly in medium to higher income areas and do not overlap with hot spots observed for NHW females, likely given that NHW females generally report higher cervical screening rates. Conclusion: There is a positive association between male and female HPV cancer incidence in Hispanic and NHB communities of South Florida, justifying the need for increased HPV vaccination and screening programs in these neighborhoods. While increasing cervical screening rate in the hot spot neighborhoods is urgent for cervical cancer control, increasing gender-neutral HPV vaccination uptake in these communities will not only reduce the incidences of male HPV cancers but also help to accelerate cervical cancer elimination by reducing HPV infection. Citation Format: Ming Lee, Sara Parrott, Rebecca Kaiser, Ridhi Vyas, Danielle Gabuzda, Arianna Vazquez, Daniela Flores Quetant, Nancy Elliott, Valerie Bethel, Amanda Rivera, Brandon Mahal, Raymond Balise, Elizabeth Franzmann, Erin Kobetz. Identifying neighborhood hot spots of HPV-associated cancers for targeted interventions of HPV vaccination uptake in underserved communities of South Florida [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4805.

Factors associated with cervical screening coverage: a longitudinal analysis of English general practices from 2013 to 2022.

Cervical cancer remains an important global public health concern. Understanding the factors contributing to a decline in screening uptake in high-income countries is fundamental to improving screening rates. We aimed to identify general practice and patient characteristics related to cervical screening coverage in England between 2013 and 2022. We analyzed a panel of 59271 General Practice (GP)-years from 7881 GP practices. We applied correlated random effects regression to examine the association between cervical screening uptake and a rich set of GP practice workforce, size, quality and patient characteristics. Our results show a decline in overall screening rates from 2013/14 to 2021/22 from 77% to 72%. We find GP workforce and list size characteristics are strongly related to screening rates. An increase in 1 FTE Nurse per 1000 patients is related to a 1.94 percentage point increase in cervical screening rates. GP practices located in more deprived areas have lower screening rates. GP workforce and patient characteristics need to be considered by decision-makers to increase screening rates. The implementation of self-sampling screening methods could help address some of the current barriers to screening, including lack of healthcare staff and facilities.

Age-specific differences in cervical cancer screening rates in women using mental health services in New South Wales, Australia.

Women living with mental health conditions have lower cervical cancer screening rates and higher mortality. More evidence is needed to target health system improvement efforts. We describe overall and age-specific cervical cancer screening rates in mental health service users in New South Wales. Cervical cancer screening registers were linked to New South Wales hospital and community mental health service data. Two-year cervical screening rates were calculated for New South Wales mental health service users aged 20-69 years (n = 114,022) and other New South Wales women (n = 2,110,127). Rate ratios were compared for strata of age, socio-economic disadvantage and rural location, and overall rates compared after direct standardisation. Only 40.3% of mental health service users participated in screening, compared with 54.3% of other New South Wales women (incidence rate ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = [0.74, 0.75]). Differences in age, social disadvantage or rural location did not explain screening gaps. Screening rates were highest in mental health service users aged <35 years (incidence rate ratios between 0.90 and 0.95), but only 15% of mental health service users aged >65 years participated in screening (incidence rate ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence interval = [0.24, 0.29]). Women who use mental health services are less likely to participate in cervical cancer screening. Rates diverged from population rates in service users aged ⩾35 years and were very low for women aged >65 years. Intervention is needed to bridge these gaps. New screening approaches such as self-testing may assist.

A report of five cancer screening rates and the related measures for cancer control in the workplace, surveyed by the Corporate Action to Promote Cancer Control

Most cancer control measures in the workplace have limited supporting evidence. This study aimed to identify highly effective cancer control measures, based on a survey by the Corporate Action to Promote Cancer Control. The firms and organizations that responded to the web survey were included. The questionnaire comprised five cancer (stomach, lung, colorectal, breast, and cervical) screening rates and their countermeasures to promote cancer control. We conducted a non-hierarchical cluster analysis according to the degree of the measures and compared the screening rates among each group using an analysis of variance. Then, we performed two multiple regression analyses with the mean screening rates for stomach/lung/colorectal cancer and breast/cervical cancer as dependent variables, the implementation of each countermeasure as an independent variable, and the size and industry as control variables. We obtained responses from 704 firms and organizations. The three groups classified by cluster analysis were defined as active, moderate, and negative. For all cancer screenings, the main effects were significant, and multiple comparisons revealed that the difference between the active and negative groups (ts > 3.30, ps < 0.01, Hedges' ds > 0.73) and the moderate and negative groups (ts > 3.70, ps < 0.01, Hedges' ds > 0.88) were significant. For the four cancers other than lung, the difference between the active and moderate groups was not significant (ts < 0.21, ps < 0.84, Hedges' ds < 0.02), and for lung, the difference was significant, but the effect size was small. The multiple regression analyses revealed that "distribution of colorectal cancer test kits to all subjects" (β = 0.14) was significant for stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer, while "financial supports for cancer screening" (β = 0.24), "screening as part of employment" (β = 0.18), and "careful screening of female subjects" (β = 0.17) were significant for breast and cervical cancer, respectively. We identified effective countermeasures for cancer control in the workplace, and these measures will help increase cancer screening rates.

Knowledge is power? Cervical cancer prevention in female OB/GYNs compared to other female physicians.

Cervical cancer (CC) screening and prevention are crucial responsibilities of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs). Our study aimed to investigate whether knowledge impacts OB/GYNs' (n = 42) adherence to CC prevention measures by comparing them to non-OB/GYN physicians (n = 80). An anonymous questionnaire collected demographic information, personal screening habits and evaluated their knowledge of CC prevention. Results revealed that OB/GYNs exhibited superior knowledge of CC risk factors and prevention compared to non-OB/GYNs. Of note, a lower percentage of OB/GYN residents correctly identified the recommended upper age limit for cervical screening and for HPV vaccination compared to attending OB/GYNs (50% vs. 83%, p = 0.04 and 11% vs. 50%, p = 0.01, respectively). Despite these findings, most physicians from both groups recommended HPV vaccination. Cervical screening rates were similar between OB/GYNs and non-OB/GYNs (75% vs. 83%, p = 0.3). Half of OB/GYNs initiated their own cervical screening, similar to non-OB/GYNs. Interestingly, residents had higher HPV vaccination rates compared to attending physicians, irrespective of specialty (OB/GYNs - 38.89% vs. 4.76%, p = 0.0149; non-OB/GYNs - 51.06% vs. 15.38%, p = 0.0028). In conclusion, contrary to the assumption that physicians prioritize personal well-being, our study reveals the opposite. While skilled in guiding patients through CC screening and prevention, female OB/GYNs often neglect their own health. OB/GYNs must also be educated and supported in safeguarding their health, setting an essential example for patients.

Barriers to undergoing cervical cancer screening among health sciences university students in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

In most developed countries, cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination have reduced cervical cancer incidence. However, the incidence has been increasing in Japan, possibly because of the low screening rate. Although cervical cancer incidence has increased in people in their 20s, the screening rate among 20-24-year-olds in Japan is only 10.2%, meaning that cervical cancer screening rates should be increased among young Japanese women. We conducted a questionnaire survey among students at health sciences universities to determine their knowledge of cervical cancer, screening rates, and barriers to screening. Students taking specialized medical courses were highly knowledgeable; recognition of the facts that "cervical cancer can be prevented through screening" and that "the risk of cervical cancer increases in one's 20s" was significantly high among those who underwent screening. On the other hand, only 7.5% of students used the free coupons provided for screening. Knowledge of cervical cancer improves screening rates. Therefore, educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among non-medical and health sciences university students and young women in general are required.

Improving the Pap Smear Screening Rate for Cervical Cancer in a Health Management Center: A Quality Improvement Program

Early detection tests are highly effective in helping adult women prevent the onset of cervical cancer. However, the cervical Pap smear screening rate in a health management center was only 54.3% in 2020. This project was developed to improve the Pap smear screening rate for cervical cancer in a health management center. The strategies developed included revising the health examination lists, developing an online appointment booking system, designing a patient decision aid, creating a standardized simulation moulage for education, and rechecking patient's National Health Insurance cards. After implementation of these strategies, the Pap smear screening rate for cervical cancer rose from 54.3% to 81.2%. The screening rate at the health management center in 2022 reached 96.6%. Shared decision-making can elucidate the comprehensive options available to clients and support them in considering their options and achieving informed choices regarding Pap smear preferences.

Saturday Pap Smear Clinic: addressing barriers to cervical cancer screening

BackgroundThe incidence of cervical cancer has decreased by 70% since the 1950s. Preventative measures include vaccination against HPV strains and Papanicolaou tests. Early identification of cervical cancer through routine screening...

Cervical Screening Reminders for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women in Primary Care-Randomised Controlled Trial of Letter vs. Phone/SMS Reminders.

(1) Background: Aboriginal women have a higher mortality from cervical cancer, yet cervical screening rates are lower than for other Australian women. (2) Methods: A randomised controlled trial of reminder letter vs. phone call/SMS for routine cervical screening testing in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in NSW. (3) Results: 256 women aged between 25 and 74 who were due for cervical screening were randomised to receive a reminder letter (and up to two further letters for non-responders) or a phone call (followed by up to two SMS) to attend the screening. A total of 15 women (12.5%) attended for cervical screening test within 3 months following a letter, and 24 women (17.6%) after a phone call/SMS reminder; this difference was not significant (p = 0.252). Time spent on sending letters vs. phone calls/SMS was similar; the cost was lowest for SMS. (4) Conclusion: Response to reminders was lower than expected. While there was no significant difference in effectiveness in letter vs. phone call/SMS for cervical screening recalls, reminder systems, including opportunistic reminders, can play a role in encouraging women to participate in screening programs in conjunction with national screening registers. The choice of reminder type should be left to service and consumer preference.

Barriers and enablers to participation in the National Cervical Screening Program experienced by young women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 35.

Cervical screening rates for young women aged between 25 and 35 are lower than older Australian women, however, little research has been conducted to understand why. This study aimed to identify and explore the barriers and enablers faced by young Victorians with a cervix to regular cervical screening. This study used a mixed method exploratory design consisting of qualitative focus groups and a quantitative online survey. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 Victorians with a cervix aged between 25 and 35. Barriers, enablers and knowledge of cervical screening were explored. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis of common themes. A supporting online survey was completed by 98 respondents. Summary statistics were analysed for differences in age. Focus groups and the online survey revealed four main factors that influence young people's cervical screening behaviour. These include past negative screening experiences, practitioner factors, priority placed on cervical screening, and cervical screening knowledge. These factors differ to the opinions of people older than 35, with young people focusing more on the psychological elements of cervical screening compared with practical factors. This research provides a unique insight into cervical screening barriers faced by women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 35 as well as what factors motivate them to screen. SO WHAT?: These findings should be utilised to inform the design of public health campaign messaging targeting this age demographic. Findings can also assist practitioners to improve how they communicate with young people in a clinical setting.

Perspectives of Cervical Cancer Screening Among First-Generation Nigerian Immigrants Living in Diaspora

Despite the drop in cases of cervical cancer across the western world, there is still an ethnic inequality with lower cervical screening rates and higher incidence of cervical cancer reported among ethnic minorities and immigrants from developing nations. This study aims to explore reasons for this, through the perspectives of female, first-generation Nigerian immigrants regarding cervical cancer screening. The study utilises a cross-sectional design. It takes a qualitative approach using one-on-one in-depth interviews of female participants who are Nigerian-born immigrants currently living in Leeds, United Kingdom. By relying on thematic analysis, the study found that the country of origin of immigrants plays a significant role in shaping perspective towards cervical screening; hence, the health-seeking behaviours of immigrants. It is therefore imperative that a global health approach that also addresses cervical cancer screening challenges including lay perspectives in developing nations be adopted.