Socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage: Lolland–Falster Health Study, Denmark

Abstract

Abstract Background Cervical cancer is preventable. Screening is important for early detection. However, even in high-income countries, coverage is sub-optimal. We identified socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage. Methods In Denmark, women aged 23–64 are free of charge personally invited to screening. All cervical cell samples are registered centrally in the Patobank. We linked data from the Lolland–Falster Health Study (LOFUS) with Patobank data. LOFUS was a population-based health survey undertaken in 2016–2020. With logistic regression, coverage defined as ≥1 cervical sample registered within a 6-year period from 2015 to 2020 was compared across levels of risk factors expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among 13 406 women of screening aged 23–64 and invited to LOFUS, 72% had ≥1 cervical sample registered. Non-participation in LOFUS was a strong predictor of low coverage; aOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.31–0.36. Among LOFUS participants, education was a strong predictor of coverage in univariate analysis, OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48–0.71, but this association disappeared in multi-variate analysis, aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.66–1.10. In multi-variate analysis, predictors of low coverage were high age, living without a partner, retired, current smoker, poor self-rated health, elevated blood pressure and elevated glycated haemoglobin. Conclusions Women with low cervical screening coverage had limited contact to healthcare, exemplified by non-participation in LOFUS, and pertinent health and social problems, exemplified by elevated blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin, poor self-rated health, and retirement already in screening age. Structural changes in screening are needed to reach non-screened women.