286798
Acceptability of self-administered pap smears among substance abusing populations
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears among women in treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders at the Nexus Recovery Center, Dallas's largest female substance abuse treatment center.
Methodology: Six focus groups (N=48 women) were conducted among women participating in treatment at the Nexus Recovery Center. A separate focus group was conducted among members of our project advisory board (medical professionals, social workers, and recovering addicts) who guided the research. A mixed methods approach was used to analyze the data and identify themes from participants' responses.
Results: In assessing the participants' utilization of cervical cancer screenings, 30 (63%) had a Pap smear in the last two years. Preliminary analysis suggests that the acceptability of self-administered Pap smears in our study population is low.
Conclusion: The low acceptability of self-administered Pap tests in our study population is due to a perceived lack of trust in the effectiveness of this tool. This finding will be considered when developing a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive cervical cancer education program that can be integrated into substance abuse treatment centers as part of this project.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationImplementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Assess the acceptability of self-administered Pap tests among a high risk subset of women with substance abuse issues.
Keyword(s): Cervical Cancer, Screening
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: The confluence of my research experiences in cancer epidemiology will stand me in good stead with regard to my current presentation. I have been a project manager on a cancer epidemiology study for five years investigating occupational-related cancers and have successfully co-authored three publications.
I have also been involved in gastric cancer research among indigent populations and presented at the prestigious Digestive Disease Week conference.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.