Promoting cervical cancer screening participation among Chinese women from resource-limited settings: a multicenter qualitative study

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors influencing participation in HPV-based cervical cancer screening among women from resource-limited settings areas in mainland China. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews based on the health belief model among women from resource-limited settings areas in China. The sample population was stratified by age and screening status, and the interviewees were continually included until the data were saturated for every subgroup. Thematic content analysis was adopted in the inductive approach. RESULTS: Of the 23 participants, we summarized three themes: (1) organized screening has a significant promotion, (2) lack of knowledge leads to lower perceived susceptibility and benefits, and (3) life burden keeps women away from accessing cervical cancer screening services. CONCLUSION: To improve the coverage rate of cervical cancer screening, authority and attractive information, as well as a supportive community, are essential to bridge the knowledge gap and increase screening participation.