BMC Women's Health
Volume 17, Issue 1, 2017

Factors associated with cervical cancer screening participation among immigrants of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin: A population-based study in Finland (Article) (Open Access)

Idehen E.E.* , Korhonen T. , Castaneda A. , Juntunen T. , Kangasniemi M. , Pietilä A.-M. , Koponen P.
  • a University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Yliopistoranta 1, P. O. Box 1627, Kuopio, 7021, Finland, University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health, Helsinki, Finland
  • b University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Yliopistoranta 1, P. O. Box 1627, Kuopio, 7021, Finland, University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health, Helsinki, Finland
  • c National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Welfare, Equality and Inclusion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
  • d National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Welfare, Equality and Inclusion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
  • e University of Eastern Finland, Department of Nursing Science, Kuopio, Finland
  • f University of Eastern Finland, Department of Nursing Science, Kuopio, Finland
  • g National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Public Health Solutions, Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

Background: Previous studies revealed low participation in cervical cancer screening among immigrants compared with non-immigrants. Only a few studies about factors associated with immigrants' lower participation rates have been conducted in European countries that have universal access for all eligible women. Our study aimed to explore factors associated with cervical screening participation among women of Russian, Somali, and Kurdish origin in Finland. Methods: We used data from the Migrant Health and Well-being Survey, 2010-2012. Structured face-to-face interviews of groups of immigrants aged 25-60 yielded 620 responses concerning screening participation in the previous five years. Statistical analysis employed logistic regression. Results: The age-adjusted participation rates were as follows: among women of Russian origin 73.9% (95% CI 68.1-79.7), for Somalis 34.7% (95% CI 26.4-43.0), and for Kurds 61.3% (95% CI 55.0-67.7). Multiple logistic regressions showed that the most significant factor increasing the likelihood of screening participation among all groups was having had at least one gynecological check-up in the previous five years (Odds ratio [OR] = 6.54-26.2; p < 0.001). Other factors were higher education (OR = 2.63; p = 0.014), being employed (OR = 4.31; p = 0.007), and having given birth (OR = 9.34; p = 0.014), among Kurds; and literacy in Finnish/Swedish (OR = 3.63; p = 0.003) among Russians. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that women who refrain from using reproductive health services, those who are unemployed and less educated, as well as those with poor language proficiency, might need more information on the importance of screening participation. Primary and occupational healthcare services may have a significant role in informing immigrant women about this importance. © 2017 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Cervical cancer Screening participation immigrants early detection Finland Pap test

Index Keywords

Kurd (people) Russia educational status birth immigrant Finland mass screening logistic regression analysis follow up human sex difference middle aged face to face interview statistics and numerical data health service controlled study Iraq early cancer diagnosis cancer risk occupational health service cancer screening Logistic Models Somali (citizen) Early Detection of Cancer ethnology Iran Surveys and Questionnaires Humans migrant psychology Emigrants and Immigrants female questionnaire population research medical information Article employment status adult major clinical study uterine cervix cancer age patient participation structured interview Somalia Uterine Cervical Neoplasms utilization Reproductive Health statistical model health literacy Russian Federation gynecology health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014972045&doi=10.1186%2fs12905-017-0375-1&partnerID=40&md5=0817c0493f1005116b432eb924750c9d
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0375-1
ISSN: 14726874
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English