Community barriers towards implementing cervical screening programs in Saudi Arabia

The prevalence of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia is on the rise, primarily attributed to the restricted adoption of early detection measures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the obstacles that hinder the implementation of sustainable Pap tests in northern Saudi Arabia.

This study included 2242 Saudi women living in the Jouf region of northern Saudi Arabia. We recruited the volunteers, aged 18 to 75, between October 2023 and February 2024. The overall response rate was 75%, although responses varied significantly between variables. Participants were able to select whether or not to respond to each question. We conducted interviews with volunteers randomly selected from various public meeting locations in Quryyat city.

Around 25% of the participants had already received a Pap test. Among the 553 individuals, 94% underwent the test due to gynecologic complaints as part of required investigations, while the remaining 6% of women underwent the test for screening purposes. Approximately 45.3% of the respondents reported being unaware of the Pap test. Approximately 42% of respondents agreed that the test was accessible within their residential area. In addition, approximately 28.7% stated that doctors never request Pap testing.

Community barriers are the greatest impediment to Pap test-based cervical cancer screening. Engaging health service providers can boost Saudi Pap test uptake. Increasing healthcare provider involvement can boost Saudi Pap test acceptance. Using various media, health education campaigns can help overcome community-related cervical cancer screening barriers.