Utilising the COM-B model to interpret barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening in young women

As most women now reaching the age for cervical cancer screening (24.5 years old) in the UK will be HPV vaccinated, their current perspectives on screening can inform effective interventions to increase screening uptake (and thus, early detection). Twenty-four interviews were conducted with women aged 24–30 years old to explore their views on cervical cancer screening (n = 12 attendees and n = 12 non-attendees). Reflexive thematic analysis generated six themes that were then mapped onto the COM-B model. Reflective motivations (e.g. reassurance) were key facilitators to screening attendance for both groups. Social opportunities (e.g. open communication) contrasted between the groups, with attendees more likely to have discussed screening with friends. Automatic motivations (e.g. embarrassment) were key barriers to attending screening in both groups. Notably, HPV vaccination did not factor into the decision to attend screening. Interventions to increase screening uptake may target motivational and social factors.