Perceptions of under and overutilization of cervical cancer screening services at Latino-serving community health centers

J Community Health. 2013 Oct;38(5):915-8. doi: 10.1007/s10900-013-9701-1.

Abstract

We sought to gather the perceptions of clinic personnel at Latino-serving Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) about patients' utilization of screening services for cervical cancer. We conducted one-on-one interviews among 17 clinic personnel at four Latino-serving FQHCs in Oregon. The clinic personnel we interviewed observed both under and overutilization of cervical cancer screening services. Clinic personnel estimated that 20-60 % of eligible patients were underscreened for cervical cancer, with 30 % the most commonly cited percentage. Underscreening was thought to occur among low-income, underinsured, and undocumented patients. Overscreening for cervical cancer was estimated to occur in 10-50 % of eligible patients, with 10 % the most frequently cited proportion. Overscreening was thought to occur among women younger than age 21 and women with a recent pregnancy. Our findings may inform future efforts to promote guideline-appropriate cancer screening and coordinated follow-up care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Community Health Centers / organization & administration*
  • Community Health Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*