Experiences of cervical screening participation and non‐participation in women from minority ethnic populations in Scotland

Nelson, M., Patton, A., Robb, K. , Weller, D., Sheikh, A., Ragupathy, K., Morrison, D. and Campbell, C. (2021) Experiences of cervical screening participation and non‐participation in women from minority ethnic populations in Scotland. Health Expectations, 24(4), pp. 1459-1472. (doi: 10.1111/hex.13287) (PMID:34137135)

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Abstract

Background: The introduction of screening in the UK and other high‐income countries led to a significant decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer and increase in survival rates. Minority ethnic groups are often underrepresented in screening participation for reasons that are poorly understood. Objective: To explore experiences of cervical screening participation and non‐participation of women from minority ethnic populations in Scotland and gain insights to support the development of interventions that could potentially support screening participation and thereby reduce inequalities. Design: Qualitative comparison group study using in‐depth, semi‐structured individual interviews that were thematically analysed. Setting and participants: This study took place in Scotland. Fifty women were purposively sampled from four ethnic minority groups: South Asian; East European; Chinese; and Black African or Caribbean. White Scottish women were also interviewed. Results: Many experiences described were common regardless of ethnicity, such as difficulties managing competing priorities, including work and care responsibilities. However, important differences existed across the groups. These included going abroad for more frequent screening, delayed introduction to screening and not accessing primary care services, language difficulties in health‐care settings despite proficiency in English and not being sexually active at screening commencement. Experiences of racism, ignorance and feeling shamed were also reported. Conclusions: Key differences exist in the experience of minority ethnic groups in Scotland. These offer potential opportunities to reduce disparity and support screening participation including maximizing co‐incidental interactions and developing outreach work.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Research Funding: Chief Scientist Office Scotland. Grant Number: HIPS/17/55.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morrison, Dr David and Robb, Professor Katie
Authors: Nelson, M., Patton, A., Robb, K., Weller, D., Sheikh, A., Ragupathy, K., Morrison, D., and Campbell, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Health Expectations
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1369-6513
ISSN (Online):1369-7625
Published Online:17 June 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Health Expectations 24(4): 1459-1472
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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