OBJECTIVES : The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge and the main motivational factors of participation on cervical cancer screening among Romany and non-Romany women.

METHODS : A qualitative, cross-sectional study was carried out between December 10, 2018 and January 10, 2019. Women aged 18-65 who live in Pécs, Hungary or its agglomeration were selected with a non-probability convenience sampling method (N=161, n_Romany=43, n_non-Romany=118). Women with diagnosed gynaecological cancer, hysterectomy, or an ongoing gynaecological care were excluded. Questions of our survey were about socio-demographic factors, knowledge and attitude towards cervical cancer and its screening. Descriptive statistics, χ²-test and ANOVA (p<0.05) were used with MS Office Excel statistical software.

RESULTS : 91.3% of women stated that there is a chance to acknowledge precancerous condition. 50.9% of all women, but only 13.9% of Romany women knew about a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. 62.7% of them attends screening annually, this ratio of only 32.5% among Romany women. Romany women who raise at least one child participate more frequently (p=0.045), as well as women who have a private gynaecologist (p<0.001). Those who have a greater level of knowledge, also tend to participate more often.

CONCLUSIONS : Generally, Romany women have a lower level of knowledge on this topic and do not participate on cervical cancer screening as often, however, any form of given benefit can serve as a motivational factor in their case.