Testing key messages about extending cervical screening intervals.
Laura A V Marlow, Martin Nemec, Jessica Barnes, Jo Waller
Author Information
Laura A V Marlow: Cancer Prevention Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK. Electronic address: l.marlow@kcl.ac.uk.
Martin Nemec: Cancer Prevention Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Jessica Barnes: Cancer Prevention Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Jo Waller: Cancer Prevention Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
OBJECTIVES: We tested the impact of different messages about the rationale for extended cervical screening intervals on acceptability of an extension. METHODS: Women in England aged 25-49 years (n = 2931) were randomised to a control group or one of 5 groups given different messages about extending cervical screening intervals from 3 to 5 years. Outcome measures were general acceptability and six components from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). RESULTS: The groups who saw additional messages (47-63%) were more likely to find the change acceptable than controls (43%). Messages about interval safety, test accuracy and speed of cell changes resulted in more positive affective-attitudes, higher ethicality beliefs, a better understanding of the reasons for extended intervals and greater belief in the safety of 5-year intervals. Being up-to-date with screening and previous abnormal results were associated with finding 5-yearly screening unacceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasising the slow development of cell changes following an HPV negative result and the safety of longer intervals, alongside the accuracy of HPV primary screening is important. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Campaigns explaining the rationale for extended cervical screening intervals are likely to improve acceptability. Though women who feel at increased risk, may remain worried even when the rationale is explained.
