Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Patients Using a Mobile Medical Clinic

Introduction: Although cervical cancer causes morbidity, it can be prevented if diagnosed early; previous research has shown lower rates of screening in patients with health-related social needs by self-report data. This study assessed cervical cancer screening uptake among female patients with health-related social needs who access care through a community-based mobile medical clinic.

Methods: A retrospective cohort was developed of all cis-female patients aged 21-65 years who sought care at the mobile medical clinic between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019, and their medical data were captured from the electronic health record. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression (performed in 2022/2023) were used to investigate correlates of ever having received cervical cancer screening and of being up to date with cervical cancer screening.

Results: Less than half of the 1,455 patient cohort had ever undergone Pap testing. In the multivariate model, ever having received cervical cancer screening was directly associated with being Hispanic or Black, living with HIV, and having received human papillomavirus vaccination. People who currently smoke showed significantly lower odds of ever having had cervical cancer screening than people who have never smoked. Patients who were single or had other marital status had lower adjusted odds of being up to date as well as those with a substance use history and those with unstable housing.

Conclusions: Cervical cancer screening rates in this community-based mobile medical clinic model were low, highlighting a need for increased attention to screening in this high-risk population. Mobile medical clinics have increased screening uptake internationally, and this model could be adopted domestically to promote screening to patients who access health care in various settings.