Evaluation of a cervical screening project to increase participation rates of Nepalese and Bangladeshi Women

Project Status
Completed

Chief Investigators
Ben Harris-Roxas CPHCE/SEaRCH, Rachael Kearns CPHCE/SEaRCH

Project Rationale

There is a lack of data on cervical participation rates in Nepalese and Bangladeshi women and they are amongst the most vulnerable groups living in Soth Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD). Women from these recent arrival groups are unlikely to be reached by social marketing strategies. 80% of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who have never been screened or who are under-screened, and that participation disparities in some migrant groups are reflected in higher cervical cancer rates.

The evaluation will assess the success of the co-designed approach and its impact on increasing community knowledge and awareness, improving identification of women attending GP practices, the delivery of more culturally appropriate services, and changes in cervical screening participation.

Project Aim

To evaluate the process and outcomes of a project designed to increase access and participation in cervical screening rates amongst Nepalese and Bangladeshi women aged 24-75 years living in south eastern Sydney.

Project Design and Method

The project itself is a co-design approach whereby the community (including GP practices, community members and community organisations) is involved in the development of the strategies and activities to increase access and participation. The evaluation will involve process and outcome mixed methods evaluation including a survey, interviews and audits.