Correlates of Pap Screening among Sub-Saharan African Immigrant (SAI) Women

Sub-Saharan African immigrant women (SAI) have low Pap screening rates despite high cervical cancer risks. We examined factors influencing Pap screening uptake among SAI women. Association (using bivariate analyses and logistic regressions) between predisposing, enabling, need for care, and Pap screening variables were examined. Of 108 eligible women, 68% reported ever having had Pap screening. Certain characteristics were significantly different between women screened for cervical cancer and non-screened women. Awareness and provider's recommendation were correlates of Pap screening for every 1-unit increase in awareness score, the odds of receiving Pap screening increased by 1.8 times (95% CI 1.32-2.52), p < .001. Women who reported receiving provider's recommendation were 6.2 times (95% CI 1.78-21.56), p = .04 more likely to screen. These findings enhance our knowledge of Pap screening utilization among SAI. Findings may inform interventions to increase Pap screening rates for SAI.