Socio-demographic correlates of cervical cancer risk factor knowledge among screening non-participants in Great Britain

Abstract This study explored knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors among cervical screening non-participants in Great Britain. The aim was to identify knowledge gaps that could be targeted in screening information materials or public education campaigns. We used a cross-sectional design to survey women aged 25 to 64 years living in Great Britain, identified as cervical screening non-participants through self-report questions. Data were collected via a household survey. Survey questions measured awareness of risk factors for cervical cancer and socio-demographic factors. Screening non-participants were included in the study ( n  = 793) and classified into non-participant groups based on the Precaution Adoption Process Model. Across the sample, 57% of participants identified ‘not going for regular smear tests’ as a risk factor for cervical cancer. Women who intended to be screened were more likely to identify this risk factor than other non-participant groups (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.51–2.99). Women age 55–64 years (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.93) and women from non-white ethnic backgrounds (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94) were less likely to recognise this risk factor. Recognition was lower for ‘infection with human papillomavirus’ (41%). Just over half the sample were aware that screening non-attendance is associated with increased cervical cancer risk, suggesting that non–attendance at screening is not always based on an accurate understanding of the offer. Overall, non-participants are poorly informed about cervical cancer risk factors and further work is needed to ensure that women are making informed choices about (non-) participation.