The uptake of cervical cancer screening among South Asians and the general population in Hong Kong: A comparative study

Abstract

Objectives To compare the uptake of pap smear tests by the general public and by South Asian women in Hong Kong, and identify the factors associated with the uptake rates of these two groups of women.

Methods For this secondary analysis, 959 Chinese women aged 50 or older from the general public and 161 South Asian women of the same age range completed a self-report survey covering demographics, health status, family history of cancer, health-related beliefs, perceived susceptibility to cancer, use of complementary therapy and uptake of Pap smear testing. Data was collected via telephone or in face-to-face interviews.

Results Pap test uptake by the ethnic minority women was significantly lower than that by the general public (36% vs 48%). Ethnicity, age, educational attainment, marital status, family history of cancer, smoking status, use of complementary therapy, the idea that exercising and visiting a doctor regularly were good for the health, and health professionals’ recommendations were significantly and independently associated with test uptake. Furthermore, the effect of the perception that exercise was good for the health was significantly stronger in the ethnic minority than in the general public.

Conclusions More effort should be put into educating ethnic minority women about the benefits and importance of cervical cancer screening. Strategies to arouse their concern with health and appropriate lifestyle-related perceptions should be developed so as to enhance their engagement in preventive health behaviour.