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Time costs associated with cervical cancer screening.
T I Shireman1, J Tsevat, S J Goldie
1University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, USA.
Summary
Time costs for cervical cancer screening are significant for young women, potentially acting as a barrier to care. Quantifying these costs is crucial for understanding screening adherence and improving healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening time costs are understudied.
- These costs can be substantial barriers to care for women.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify opportunity costs of cervical cancer screening.
- Focus on young women attending Planned Parenthood Clinics.
Main Methods:
- Self-report survey of 105 women across six clinics.
- Measured travel, waiting, and exam times.
- Valued time costs using self-reported wages, minimum earnings, and national wage rates.
Main Results:
- Average respondent age: 24 years; worked 29 hrs/week; earned <$20,000/year.
- Mean travel time: 18.7 min; waiting time: 16.9 min; exam time: 50.8 min.
- Estimated time costs ranged from $14.08 to $19.63 per visit.
Conclusions:
- Time costs are significant opportunity costs for cervical cancer screening.
- These costs can account for up to 25% of total screening costs.
- Include time costs in future cost-effectiveness analyses and barrier identification.