Factors affecting uptake of cervical cancer screening among Chinese women in New Zealand

ObjectiveTo examine the factors affecting uptake of cervical cancer screening among women born in China now living in Auckland, New Zealand.MethodA community-based pilot study of 260 women surveyed by questionnaire between November 2006 and February 2007 to ascertain the uptake of cervical screening.ResultsOf 234 returned questionnaires, 152 women (65%) reported being screened in New Zealand and 56% had been screened in the last 3 years. The 4 most important predictive factors affecting uptake were the women's belief that cervical smear tests are necessary for asymptomatic women, having a family doctor, having received gynecologic, obstetric, and family planning services in New Zealand, and having ever received a recommendation for a cervical smear test.ConclusionThe most important influential factors affecting uptake of cervical screening among Chinese women in New Zealand are women's belief in its value and their engagement in general and women's health services.