Interventions to increase uptake of cervical screening in ethnic minority populations in high-income countries: a rapid systematic review

Abstract

the world Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer states that 70% of women should be screened by the age of 35 and again at 45. However, many high-income countries are failing to reach this target, especially among ethnic minority populations. this study appraised the evidence on approaches to increasing cervical screening uptake among women from ethnic minority populations in high-income countries. A rapid systematic review methodology was adopted; five databases were searched between August 2010 and February 2025, findings were synthesized and reported narratively. Analysis included intervention functions, using the Behavior change wheel, and uptake of cervical screening. Risk of bias was assessed using the effective Public Health Practice Project checklist. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. All interventions included an education component in addition to one or more others, including environmental restructuring, persuasion, enablement, or the use of incentives. Many interventions were associated with an increase in intention and/or uptake of screening, 20 of which were statistically significant; however, the risk of bias was high in most studies. Overall, the evidence suggests that policymakers should prioritize investment in community-based, multi-component interventions, particularly those incorporating enablement and HPv self-sampling, to improve cervical screening uptake in minority ethnic populations.