How sexual history and knowledge of cervical cancer and screening influence Chinese women's screening behavior in mainland China.

BACKGROUND: Accurate information and knowledge about cervical cancer and screening importantly influence women's cervical screening participation. Sexual behavior plays a crucial role in human papillomavirus transmission and the subsequent development of cervical cancer. Indeed, the uptake of cervical screening among Chinese women is relatively low compared with other populations.
OBJECTIVE: To understand women's attendance pattern of cervical screening, knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, and factors influencing their utilization of cervical screening in mainland China.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect women's participation pattern for cervical screening, knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, sociodemographic information and sexual history, and barriers to participating in cervical screening.
RESULTS: Married women and women who had had their first intercourse after the age of 21 years were significantly more likely to participate in screening. Screened women demonstrated a higher level of knowledge about the cervical screening procedure compared with nonscreened women (P = .002). Also, the scores of individual items such as women's knowledge of cervical screening and risk factors were significantly different between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSION: The current system of free physical examinations for women in mainland China is a major motivator for women's utilization of cervical screening services. Chinese women's marital status and sexual history influence their screening behavior. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Unmarried women who have ever had sex should be encouraged to have cervical screening, and consistent and appropriate information about the preventive nature of cervical screening and risk factors associated with cervical cancer should be provided to the general public.