Associated Factors of Cervical Cancer Screening Participation Among Women in Asia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in Asian countries where screening participation rates remain below the global elimination target established by the World Health Organization. Despite the availability of effective screening methods such as Pap smear, HPV testing, and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), many women still experience barriers related to socioeconomic status, health literacy, cultural beliefs, and healthcare accessibility. This study aimed to identify and synthesize factors associated with cervical cancer screening participation among women in Asia. This research employed a scoping review design following the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Data were collected from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases using relevant keywords related to cervical cancer screening participation and associated determinants in Asian populations. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings revealed that education level, income, employment status, health insurance coverage, healthcare accessibility, and physician recommendation were the most influential determinants of screening participation. In addition, cultural stigma, fear of diagnosis, embarrassment, and fatalistic beliefs were identified as important barriers. In conclusion, cervical cancer screening participation in Asia is influenced by multidimensional factors requiring integrated interventions that address social inequalities, strengthen healthcare systems, and improve culturally sensitive health promotion programs.