Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening Follow-up: A Study of an Inpatient Screening Program

This study reports follow-up rates for abnormal Pap test results among inpatients screened through the Johns Hopkins Cervical Cancer Screening Program (CCSP). Between 2018 and 2023, 997 patients underwent screening in the CCSP. Of that total, 20.7% (206/997) had abnormal Pap tests warranting further care, and of these individuals, 54.5% did not follow-up. Individuals with a history of homelessness were significantly less likely to follow up (OR: 0.35). Those who had documented assistance for transportation were more likely to return for care (OR: 2.98), especially amongst individuals with a history of homelessness (OR: 4.84). The findings highlight potential targeted interventions based on housing and transportation assistance. Such interventions have been added to our inpatient protocol, with the goal of improving care continuity and effective screening.