Women's preferences for cervical screening: who, where and when

Abstract

Three hundred and seven valid non-users and 307 matched users of cervical screening were interviewed about who they would prefer to take the smear test, where it was carried out and at what time. Fifty-five per cent of non-users and 48 per cent of users had no preference as to whether the smear taker was a doctor or nurse but these previously unscreened women who did state a preference preferred a nurse. A female smear- taker was preferred by most non-users (77 per cent) and most users (60 per cent), the stronger preferences among non-users being statistically sig nificant (χ2 = 20.9, p < 0.0001). Only 2 per cent of non-users and 7 per cent of users specifically wanted a male to do the test while the remainder had no preference. Familiarity with the smear-taker was a more divided issue with 40 per cent of non-users and 42 per cent of users having no preference as to whether they knew the tester or not. The most popular place to have the test carried out was the GP surgery or health centre for all women. However, a minority of both groups requested a hospital well-woman or domiciliary service. There was little demand for a workplace service or weekend clinics from either group but 15 per cent of all women who wanted to attend on a weekday wanted an evening service. Preferences for smear-taker and location were not associated with age, social class or marital status. Service providers must take into account the needs of all women if they are to provide a service which will be suited to those women they want to use it. Above all, women need to know that there is a choice available if voluntary participation in the screening programme is to be encouraged.