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T. Hope McGonigle, PhD, Ohio Medicaid, Bureau of Health Plan Policy, Ohio Health Plans, 30 E. Broad St., 27th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-466-6420, hopemcg@yahoo.com
Exploratory analyses have shown that sexual orientation is significantly associated with stage of change for cervical cancer screening, but that when certain other factors are introduced into the model, the odds ratios for sexual orientation are reduced. This can indicate that other factors are mediating the relationship between sexual orientation and stage of change for cervical cancer screening. Women who access gynecologic health care for reasons other than cervical cancer screening, such as for birth control or for a sexually transmitted disease test, are much more likely to be screened than are women who do not have a reason to go to a gynecological health care provider. One can posit that this is due to 1) having an existing relationship with someone who does this screening (also an important factor) and/or being someone who is more likely to go to a health care provider in general. Heterosexual and bisexual women (women more apt to be sexually active with men in the recent past) are disproportionately these women. Lesbians, in general, are less likely to be seeking birth controls pills or to become pregnant and thus are less likely to access gynecologic care and receive a pap test.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Screening, Cervical Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.