Perceptions of Digital Nudging for Cervical Testing: A Comparison Four Nudge Types

Abstract

Cervical cancer consumes many lives around the world. Many of these lives could be saved if more women were screened for cervical cancer. This study explored the potential of digital nudging through short electronic messages as a means of increasing women’s participation in cervical screening programs. A questionnaire-based study was designed to explore Norwegian women’s perceptions towards five different types of nudges, with a total of 280 respondents. The results show that women were generally positive towards text message nudging. The type of nudge had a significant effect on the respondents’ perceptions. Messages that invited to an explicit appointment was perceived most positively, and incentives nudges were perceived least positively. About 87% of the participants expressed that it was desirable to receive such invitations via text messages although younger participants were more positive towards digital text messages than older participants. The results may be useful in designing more effective campaigns for increased participation in cervical cancer screening programmes.