Knowledge and perspectives of the new National Cervical Screening Program: a qualitative interview study of North Queensland women—‘I could be that one percent’

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate women’s understanding and attitudes towards the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) and to explore methods to improve screening participation.DesignSemi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted through convenience and snowball sampling. Thematic analysis occurred using the interpretivist framework.SettingA private general practice in North Queensland.ParticipantsWomen between the ages of 18 and 74 who attended the general practice were eligible to participate. Fourteen women between 20 and 58 years old were interviewed.ResultsParticipants were concerned that the new NCSP would miss cancer due to longer screening intervals and reliance on primary human papilloma virus (HPV) testing. They believed that young women are at increased risk of cervical cancer, due to perceived HPV vaccine ineffectiveness and parent objection to vaccination. Most participants were not agreeable to self-sampling and preferred their doctor to perform screening. Personal and practitioner beliefs influenced a woman’s screening participation. Personal factors include being healthy for themselves and their family, previous abnormal smears and family history of cancer. Emphasis was placed on feeling ‘comfortable’ with their practitioner which included patient rapport and gender preference. Proposed methods to improve cervical screening included education programmes, advertising campaigns, general practitioner interventions and improving accessibility.ConclusionsIt is apparent that women are hesitant about the new NCSP. However, when provided with additional information they were more amenable to the changes. This highlights the need to improve awareness of cervical screening and the new NCSP.

Australian National Cervical Screening Program renewal: Attitudes and experiences of general practitioners, and obstetricians and gynaecologists

“…given the known concerns by screening-eligible women about the changes. 7,9 Before implementation, research reported that only 40-60% of clinicians found the main program changes acceptable. 12 Our study demonstrates increasing acceptance of the new guidelines, consistent with another recent survey of clinicians pre-and post-renewal which found that comfort in implementing the renewed program increased throughout the implementation period.…”

“…Previous research has demonstrated that women may be concerned about the extended screening interval and later starting age. [6][7][8][9] Healthcare provider endorsement increases patients' acceptance of screening program changes, 10,11 emphasising the importance of clinicians being able and willing to explain the changes to women and respond confidently to their concerns.…”

No longer recommended for cervical screening: How women aged 18–24 feel about the renewed National Cervical Screening Program

“…This study showed increasing age, level of worry about developing cervical cancer, and having been previously screened impacted women’s feelings about the delayed screening start age and increased screening intervals. Older women’s previous screening experiences, family history and personal encounters with cervical cancer either themselves or through friends prior to the age of 25, may motivate these women to maintain regular screening practices 7,22 . Previous research highlights that women’s previous experience of receiving/not receiving screening was significantly associated with their attitude concerning screening 17 .…”

Women's attitudes and understanding of cervical cancer and the new National Cervical Screening Program

“…This research provides timely information about the new NCSP. It is part of a mixed methods study and this allowed for a qualitative explanatory component, which has been separately published 11 . Additionally, a valid survey was developed using pre‐existing literature and expert advice, which was piloted within the target audience prior to distribution.…”

“…Female patients between 18 and 74 years old were offered waiting room surveys by the receptionist over a 2‐month period. An explanatory qualitative component was simultaneously completed and is published separately 11 …”