Analyses of Factors Influencing Participation in the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the Community in Japan

Abstract

The association between the participation rates of cervical cancer screening programme and implementation methods, concerning data management, participant convenience, promoting participation, and payment, were analyzed. The data regarding the implementation methods were obtained in a nation-wide questionnaire survey. The relationship between the participation rates and implementation methods were assessed using the X -square test and multiple logistic regression analyses. In small municipalities, with a population < 10, 000, items concerning data management, enlisting the assistance of community organizations, fee exemption, and early morning screening were positively associated with the participation. In middle-sized municipalities, with a population 10, 000-49, 999, early morning screening, community organizations, items concerning data management, and sending out letters were positively associated with participation. Saturday/Sunday screening, community organizations, letters and postcards were positively associated with the participation of the older group (50 years) in large municipalities with a population > 50, 000. These results indicate that enlisting the assistance of community organizations and establishing a well-organized data management system are likely to improve participation regardless of municipality size. Other implementation methods must be selected taking into account factors such as municipality population size, as well as the age distribution and characteristics of the target population. J Epidemiol, 1997 ; 7 : 125-133.