Factors influencing cervical cancer screening among reproductive age group women in India: A multilevel analysis of nationwide survey 2019–2021

Trends and factors associated with cervical cancer screening (CCS) among women of reproductive age are essential for designing cancer prevention strategies to reduce mortality. The present study investigates the factors contributing to CCS in India through multilevel modeling on data from women files of the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS- 5). Districts, villages, and individuals were considered as the levels under investigation. Age, contraception use, and wealth index impacted the CCS significantly. The percentage of CCS is 1.2, and it varies across socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of cervical cancer screening is high among women in the 30–49 age group, in the rich wealth index, and not utilizing condoms as contraception. The screening percentage was found to be highest in southern states. A pressing need was felt for organizing awareness camps and all-inclusive dissemination of information, especially in the Northern part of India.