Age related influence on screening coverage and satisfaction. with CervicalCheck

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening programs aim to reduce incidence and mortality through early detection.
• Understanding patient satisfaction and factors influencing screening uptake is crucial for program optimization.
• The CervicalCheck program in Ireland provides cervical screening services to women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess satisfaction levels among women participating in the CervicalCheck program.
• To identify reasons for the observed age-related differences in screening uptake.
• To explore factors influencing women's willingness to return for future screenings and recommend the service.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 5,000 women with normal Pap smear results.
• Participants were randomly selected and stratified by age groups: 25-44 years (3,500) and 45-60 years (1,500).
• Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to identify predictors of satisfaction and return intention.

Main Results:

• Over 98% of women in both age groups expressed willingness to return to CervicalCheck and recommend it to others.
• Willingness to recommend the service was strongly predicted by willingness to return (OR = 31).
• Predictors for returning for screening included knowledge of the next due date (OR = 2.5) and receiving an invitation (OR = 3.1).
• Older women were less likely to know when they were due for their next screening (OR = 0.5), but willingness to return increased this knowledge (OR = 3.2).
• General Practitioners (GPs) play a significant role in informing and encouraging older women to attend screening.

Conclusions:

• The CervicalCheck program demonstrates high levels of participant satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth.
• Knowledge about screening schedules and proactive invitations are vital for ensuring continued participation.
• Targeted interventions, particularly involving GPs, may be necessary to address age-related disparities in screening uptake and knowledge.