Access to cervical cancer screening among First Nations women and other vulnerable populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Existing research demonstrates that participation of First Nations women in provincial cervical cancer screening programs is both less regular and less frequent than that of other women. In conducting a study among First Nations and other vulnerable populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, this paper examines why First Nations women access cervical cancer screening programs less frequently than other women. A mixed methods approach, combining a qualitative survey, a focus group and elite interviews, is employed to identify factors that facilitate and inhibit screening. The results guide a series of recommended strategies for health care practitioners to improve participation among unscreened and under-screened groups. Implementing Pappalooza events maximizes outcomes for the population studied, however, other policy options examined offer effective alternatives for practitioners with different population characteristics. The study's findings are relevant to individual practitioners, health service organizations, the British Columbia Cervical Cancer Screening Program as well as to health professionals outside of the province.