The researchers did this study to explore awareness of and participation in cervical screening services in women from Poland, Slovakia, and Romania living in the UK.
Three qualitative studies were carried out in London: an interview study of professionals working with 11 Central and Eastern European migrants; a focus group study including three Polish, one Slovak and one Romanian focus group; and an interview study of 11 Polish, 7 Slovak, and Romanian 2 women.
Awareness of the cervical screening program was good, but an understanding of the purpose of the screening was sometimes limited. Some women were fully engaged with the UK screening program; others used screening a third group only had the screening in their home countries. Women reacted positively to the fact that screening is free and that reminders are sent, but some were concerned about the screening interval and the age of the first invitation.
The study concluded that migrant women vary in their level of participation in the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme. More needs to be done to address concerns regarding screening services and to ensure that language is not a barrier to participation.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/38/4/229
