Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
Volume 38, Issue 4, 2012, Pages 229-238

Cervical screening among migrant women: A qualitative study of Polish, Slovak and Romanian women in London, UK (Article) (Open Access)

Jackowska M. , Von Wagner C. , Wardle J. , Juszczyk D. , Luszczynska A. , Waller J.*
  • a Psychobiology Group, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
  • b Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
  • c Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
  • d Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
  • e Trauma, Health and Hazards Center, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, United States, Warsaw School of Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
  • f Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective To explore awareness of and participation in cervical screening services in women from Poland, Slovakia and Romania living in London, UK. Methods: Three qualitative studies were carried out in London in 2008-2009: an interview study of professionals working with Central and Eastern European migrants (n=11); a focus group study including three Polish, one Slovak and one Romanian focus group; and an interview study of Polish (n=11), Slovak (n=7) and Romanian (n=2) women. Results: Awareness of the cervical screening programme was good, but understanding of the purpose of screening was sometimes limited. Some women were fully engaged with the UK screening programme; others used screening both in the UK and their countries of origin; and a third group only had screening in their home countries. Women welcomed the fact that screening is free and that reminders are sent, but some were concerned about the screening interval and the age of the fi rst invitation. Conclusions Migrant women from Poland, Slovakia and Romania living in London 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.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Vaginal Smears Romania immigrant Europe, Eastern London human middle aged Poland controlled study cervical screening Slovakia qualitative research screening health program Humans female Socioeconomic Factors uterine cervix cytology Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice medical profession women's health Article awareness adult migration United Kingdom Uterine Cervical Neoplasms normal human
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84868015519&doi=10.1136%2fjfprhc-2011-100144&partnerID=40&md5=79ac5a2fc094fda01c1feae8a0f92963
DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2011-100144
ISSN: 14711893
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English