Table 4 Reason for non-attendance of cervical screening: taken from questionnaire

From: HPV self-sampling as an alternative strategy in non-attenders for cervical screening – a randomised controlled trial

Reason

n

Emotional or attitudinal reasons

 

 Uncomfortable/painful/unpleasant/sexual abuse/dislike doctors or nurses

62

 Embarrassed

48

 No recent sexual activity/no problems/too old or young (incorrect perception of risk)

23

 Putting off/not important/forgetting

22

 Frightened to be told had cancer

18

 Other

6

Practical reasons

 

 Lack of time/too busy/no child care/access to clinic/times/transport/disabled

49

 Never had sex

17

 Hysterectomy/operation – unnecessary

9

 Attend elsewhere (abroad/privately)

8

 Other

3

Unknown

 

 Other

9

Total

274