Physician-Level Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Practices: A Socio-Ecological Model-Based Study from...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cervical cancer is preventable, but screening uptake is low in Georgia.
• Barriers to screening extend beyond access, necessitating investigation into physician-level factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine physician-level factors influencing cervical cancer screening promotion in Georgia's Adjara region.
• To identify individual, inter-personal, and organizational factors affecting screening recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of physicians in outpatient and preventive services.
• Socio-ecological framework guiding analysis of factors related to screening recommendations.
• Multivariable logistic and ordinal regression analyses to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• Physician support for screening is high, but recommendations are inconsistent.
• Limited consultation time, uncertainty about harms, and rural settings correlate with lower recommendation rates.
• Positive attitudes alone do not ensure routine screening promotion.

Conclusions:

• Gaps in screening promotion stem from structural and organizational issues, not professional support.
• Reducing workflow constraints and clarifying screening guidance are crucial for improving uptake.
• Integrating preventive counseling into routine practice is essential in similar healthcare contexts.