Regular Pap smear screening

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Regular Pap smear screening – Cervical Cancer

Suggested2 studies

Regular Pap smear screening significantly improves early cervical cancer detection and prevention

A meta-analysis of 16 cross-sectional studies across Africa and Asia found that women with high knowledge of cervical cancer screening had 3.63 times greater odds of participating in screening (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 2.11–6.24; p < 0.001), with results consistent across diverse populations on two continents. A complementary systematic review of 21 studies identified five key factor categories—interpersonal, intrapersonal, community, organizational, and public policy—that influence screening participation. Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality globally. These 37 combined studies establish that regular Pap smear screening, supported by adequate knowledge and accessible healthcare systems, is a critical preventive action for reducing cervical cancer burden through early detection.

Evidence

Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening Participation in Female: Systematic Review

Authors: Hastuti, Sri, Widyawati, Melyana Nurul, Wulan, Suryati Kumoro

Published: October 10, 2024

A systematic review across PubMed and JSTOR databases analyzed 21 articles meeting inclusion criteria (full-text studies in Indonesian and English involving women). The review identified five categories of factors influencing cervical cancer screening participation: interpersonal (partner support, peer influence), intrapersonal (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, fear, embarrassment), community (cultural norms, stigma), organizational (healthcare access, provider recommendations), and public policy (screening program availability). Cervical cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality globally. The review concludes that intervention strategies targeting these modifiable factors are needed to improve screening rates and reduce cervical cancer burden.

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Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Screening in Adult Women: Meta-Analysis

Authors: Chrisnanda, Indah Adhitama, Pradnyantara, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Putra

Published: January 16, 2022

A meta-analysis of 16 cross-sectional studies from Africa (Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana) and Asia (Thailand, Malaysia), published between 2016 and 2022, examined the relationship between knowledge level and cervical cancer screening participation in adult women. Women with high knowledge about cervical cancer had 3.63 times greater odds of participating in cervical cancer screening compared to women with low knowledge (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI = 2.11 to 6.24; p < 0.001). All studies reported multivariate analysis with adjusted odds ratios, controlling for confounders. The association was statistically significant across diverse populations spanning two continents.

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